Daycare Cost in Maryland (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $1600/month in Maryland. 30% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1400/month, preschool $1200/month.
Maryland average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1600
30% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1400
$16,800/year
Preschool (center)
$1200
$14,400/year
School Age
$1000
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1250
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$3,200
Full-time, statewide avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey, 2025. Statewide averages — urban areas typically run 20–35% higher.
Maryland vs. National Average
How Maryland compares to the national average for each age group and care type.
| Age / Care Type | Maryland |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,600/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,400/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,200/mo |
| School Age — Center | $1,000/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,250/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $3,200/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Maryland
Full-time infant center care in Maryland costs $19,200/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Maryland families pay $4,440 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$19,200
Toddler / year
$16,800
Preschool / year
$14,400
School Age / year
$12,000
Childcare Subsidies in Maryland
Maryland participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $8,000/month (85% of state median income) may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $1,100/month.
At Maryland's average infant rate of $1600/month, the maximum subsidy covers about 69% of the cost for qualifying families.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Maryland
How much does daycare cost in Maryland?
Infant center-based daycare in Maryland averages $1600/month in 2026. That's $370 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher wages and cost of living push prices up. Toddler care runs $1400/month and preschool $1200/month.
What is the difference between center-based and home-based daycare in Maryland?
Center-based infant care in Maryland averages $1600/month; home-based (licensed family daycare) averages $1250/month — about 22% less. Home-based care typically has smaller groups and more flexible hours. Centers tend to offer more structured programs. Both are licensed by the state.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Maryland?
For one child, no. A full-time nanny in Maryland averages $3,200/month versus $1600/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip — two daycare slots at $1600 each ($3,200/month) often exceeds a single nanny cost. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator to compare.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Maryland?
Yes — significantly. In Maryland: infant care ($1600/month) → toddler care ($1400/month, 13% drop) → preschool ($1200/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($1000/month, 38% drop from infant). This pattern holds in every state — staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age.
Daycare Costs by City in Maryland
City-level estimates based on local cost-of-living adjustments to the statewide average.
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