Daycare Cost in Massachusetts (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $2200/month in Massachusetts. 79% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1950/month, preschool $1650/month.
Massachusetts average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$2200
79% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1950
$23,400/year
Preschool (center)
$1650
$19,800/year
School Age
$1380
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1800
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$3,800
Full-time, statewide avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey, 2025. Statewide averages — urban areas typically run 20–35% higher.
Massachusetts vs. National Average
How Massachusetts compares to the national average for each age group and care type.
| Age / Care Type | Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $2,200/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,950/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,650/mo |
| School Age — Center | $1,380/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,800/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $3,800/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Massachusetts
Full-time infant center care in Massachusetts costs $26,400/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Massachusetts families pay $11,640 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$26,400
Toddler / year
$23,400
Preschool / year
$19,800
School Age / year
$16,560
Childcare Subsidies in Massachusetts
Massachusetts participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $9,000/month (85% of state median income) may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $1,400/month.
At Massachusetts's average infant rate of $2200/month, the maximum subsidy covers about 64% of the cost for qualifying families.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Massachusetts
How much does daycare cost in Massachusetts?
Infant center-based daycare in Massachusetts averages $2200/month in 2026. That's $970 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher wages and cost of living push prices up. Toddler care runs $1950/month and preschool $1650/month.
What is the difference between center-based and home-based daycare in Massachusetts?
Center-based infant care in Massachusetts averages $2200/month; home-based (licensed family daycare) averages $1800/month — about 18% 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 Massachusetts?
For one child, no. A full-time nanny in Massachusetts averages $3,800/month versus $2200/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip — two daycare slots at $2200 each ($4,400/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 Massachusetts?
Yes — significantly. In Massachusetts: infant care ($2200/month) → toddler care ($1950/month, 11% drop) → preschool ($1650/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($1380/month, 37% drop from infant). This pattern holds in every state — staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age.
See all 50 states
Compare Massachusetts against every other state — filter by age group and care type, sorted by cost.
Daycare cost by state →