Child Care Costs in Maryland 2026: Montgomery County, Baltimore & Statewide Prices

Maryland childcare costs are among the highest in the nation, particularly in the Washington DC suburbs of Montgomery and Prince George's Counties. The state ranks in the top 10 for childcare expenses, driven by a highly educated workforce, strong licensing requirements, and proximity to the nation's capital. However, Maryland is making significant investments in expanding pre-K access through the Blueprint for Maryland's Future.

This guide breaks down what families actually pay across the Old Line State, from the expensive DC suburbs to more affordable regions.

Average Child Care Costs in Maryland

Quick Overview

| Care Type | DC Suburbs | Baltimore Metro | Other Cities | Rural | |-----------|------------|-----------------|--------------|-------| | Infant Daycare | $1,700-$2,500 | $1,300-$1,900 | $1,100-$1,600 | $900-$1,300 | | Toddler Daycare | $1,450-$2,200 | $1,100-$1,600 | $950-$1,400 | $800-$1,150 | | Preschool | $1,200-$1,800 | $1,000-$1,450 | $850-$1,250 | $700-$1,050 | | Nanny | $3,500-$5,200 | $2,800-$4,000 | $2,600-$3,600 | $2,400-$3,200 | | Home Daycare | $1,200-$1,700 | $950-$1,350 | $800-$1,150 | $650-$950 |

Maryland families spend an average of 14-18% of household income on childcare, with DC suburb families often exceeding 20%.

Cost Comparison to National Average

| Care Type | Maryland Average | National Average | Difference | |-----------|------------------|------------------|------------| | Infant Daycare | $1,650/month | $1,350/month | 22% above | | Toddler Daycare | $1,400/month | $1,200/month | 17% above | | Preschool | $1,250/month | $1,100/month | 14% above |

Montgomery County alone can exceed national averages by 50-80% for infant care.

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DC Suburbs (Montgomery & Prince George's Counties)

Montgomery County

Montgomery County is one of the most expensive childcare markets in the United States, rivaling Manhattan and San Francisco.

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $1,950-$2,800 | $23,400-$33,600 | | Toddler Daycare | $1,650-$2,500 | $19,800-$30,000 | | Preschool | $1,450-$2,100 | $17,400-$25,200 | | Nanny | $4,000-$5,800 | $48,000-$69,600 | | Home Daycare | $1,450-$2,000 | $17,400-$24,000 |

By area:

| Area | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes | |------|---------------|-----------------|-------| | Bethesda | $2,400-$3,200 | $2,100-$2,800 | Highest in county | | Chevy Chase | $2,400-$3,200 | $2,100-$2,800 | Premium neighborhood | | Potomac | $2,300-$3,000 | $2,000-$2,700 | Affluent, limited options | | Rockville | $2,000-$2,700 | $1,750-$2,400 | Metro-accessible | | North Bethesda/Pike & Rose | $2,100-$2,800 | $1,850-$2,500 | Growing area | | Silver Spring | $1,900-$2,600 | $1,650-$2,300 | More diverse options | | Takoma Park | $1,850-$2,500 | $1,600-$2,200 | Co-ops available | | Gaithersburg | $1,750-$2,400 | $1,500-$2,100 | More moderate | | Germantown | $1,700-$2,300 | $1,450-$2,000 | Most affordable MoCo | | Clarksburg | $1,750-$2,400 | $1,500-$2,100 | Newer development |

Montgomery County tip: Waitlists for popular centers in Bethesda and Chevy Chase can extend 12-18 months. Start searching during pregnancy.

Prince George's County

More affordable than Montgomery County while remaining Metro-accessible.

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $1,450-$2,100 | $17,400-$25,200 | | Toddler Daycare | $1,250-$1,850 | $15,000-$22,200 | | Preschool | $1,100-$1,600 | $13,200-$19,200 | | Nanny | $3,200-$4,400 | $38,400-$52,800 | | Home Daycare | $1,050-$1,500 | $12,600-$18,000 |

By area:

| Area | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes | |------|---------------|-----------------|-------| | College Park | $1,650-$2,300 | $1,450-$2,000 | Near UMD, higher demand | | Hyattsville | $1,600-$2,200 | $1,400-$1,950 | Growing, gentrifying | | Greenbelt | $1,500-$2,100 | $1,300-$1,850 | Planned community | | Bowie | $1,450-$2,000 | $1,250-$1,750 | Family-oriented | | Laurel | $1,400-$1,950 | $1,200-$1,700 | Good value | | Upper Marlboro | $1,300-$1,800 | $1,150-$1,600 | More affordable | | Clinton | $1,250-$1,750 | $1,100-$1,550 | Suburban | | Fort Washington | $1,300-$1,850 | $1,150-$1,600 | Near National Harbor |

PG County tip: Many federal employees live in Prince George's County for the value—combine with federal childcare benefits for additional savings.

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Baltimore Metro Costs

Baltimore City

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $1,350-$1,900 | $16,200-$22,800 | | Toddler Daycare | $1,150-$1,650 | $13,800-$19,800 | | Preschool | $1,050-$1,500 | $12,600-$18,000 | | Nanny | $2,900-$4,200 | $34,800-$50,400 | | Home Daycare | $1,000-$1,400 | $12,000-$16,800 |

By neighborhood:

| Neighborhood | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes | |--------------|---------------|-----------------|-------| | Federal Hill | $1,650-$2,200 | $1,450-$1,950 | Young professionals | | Canton | $1,600-$2,150 | $1,400-$1,900 | Walkable, popular | | Roland Park | $1,700-$2,300 | $1,500-$2,000 | Affluent, excellent schools | | Guilford | $1,700-$2,300 | $1,500-$2,000 | Historic, upscale | | Mount Washington | $1,500-$2,050 | $1,300-$1,800 | Family-friendly | | Hampden | $1,450-$2,000 | $1,250-$1,750 | Artsy, growing | | Fells Point | $1,500-$2,050 | $1,300-$1,800 | Historic waterfront | | Patterson Park | $1,350-$1,850 | $1,150-$1,600 | Diverse, growing | | Remington | $1,300-$1,800 | $1,100-$1,550 | Up-and-coming | | East/West Baltimore | $1,050-$1,500 | $950-$1,350 | More affordable |

Baltimore County

| Area | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Preschool | |------|---------------|-----------------|-----------| | Towson | $1,500-$2,100 | $1,300-$1,800 | $1,150-$1,600 | | Lutherville-Timonium | $1,450-$2,000 | $1,250-$1,750 | $1,100-$1,550 | | Pikesville | $1,400-$1,950 | $1,200-$1,700 | $1,050-$1,500 | | Owings Mills | $1,350-$1,900 | $1,150-$1,650 | $1,000-$1,450 | | Cockeysville | $1,350-$1,850 | $1,150-$1,600 | $1,000-$1,400 | | Catonsville | $1,300-$1,800 | $1,100-$1,550 | $950-$1,350 | | Parkville | $1,200-$1,700 | $1,050-$1,500 | $900-$1,300 | | Dundalk | $1,150-$1,600 | $1,000-$1,400 | $850-$1,250 | | Essex | $1,150-$1,600 | $1,000-$1,400 | $850-$1,250 |

Howard County

Affluent county between Baltimore and DC with excellent schools.

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $1,550-$2,150 | $18,600-$25,800 | | Toddler Daycare | $1,350-$1,900 | $16,200-$22,800 | | Preschool | $1,200-$1,700 | $14,400-$20,400 | | Nanny | $3,300-$4,600 | $39,600-$55,200 |

By area:

• Clarksville: Highest ($1,700-2,400)
• Ellicott City (West): High ($1,600-2,200)
• Columbia: Moderate-high ($1,500-2,050)
• Elkridge: More affordable ($1,350-1,900)

Anne Arundel County

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $1,400-$1,950 | $16,800-$23,400 | | Toddler Daycare | $1,200-$1,700 | $14,400-$20,400 | | Preschool | $1,100-$1,550 | $13,200-$18,600 | | Nanny | $3,000-$4,200 | $36,000-$50,400 |

By area: | Area | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | |------|---------------|-----------------| | Annapolis | $1,500-$2,100 | $1,300-$1,850 | | Severna Park | $1,500-$2,100 | $1,300-$1,850 | | Arnold | $1,450-$2,000 | $1,250-$1,750 | | Odenton | $1,350-$1,900 | $1,150-$1,650 | | Glen Burnie | $1,200-$1,700 | $1,050-$1,500 | | Pasadena | $1,250-$1,750 | $1,100-$1,550 |

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Other Maryland Regions

Frederick County

Growing rapidly as DC-area commuters seek affordability.

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $1,300-$1,800 | $15,600-$21,600 | | Toddler Daycare | $1,100-$1,550 | $13,200-$18,600 | | Preschool | $1,000-$1,400 | $12,000-$16,800 | | Nanny | $2,900-$4,000 | $34,800-$48,000 |

By area:

• Downtown Frederick: Higher ($1,400-1,950)
• North Frederick: Moderate ($1,250-1,750)
• Urbana, New Market: Moderate ($1,300-1,800)
• Middletown, Myersville: More affordable ($1,150-1,600)

Hagerstown (Western Maryland)

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $1,050-$1,450 | $12,600-$17,400 | | Toddler Daycare | $950-$1,300 | $11,400-$15,600 | | Preschool | $850-$1,200 | $10,200-$14,400 |

Other Western MD: Cumberland and Frostburg have similar or slightly lower costs.

Eastern Shore

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $1,000-$1,400 | $12,000-$16,800 | | Toddler Daycare | $900-$1,250 | $10,800-$15,000 | | Preschool | $800-$1,150 | $9,600-$13,800 |

Key cities: Salisbury, Easton, Cambridge, Ocean City (seasonal impact)

Southern Maryland

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $1,250-$1,750 | $15,000-$21,000 | | Toddler Daycare | $1,100-$1,550 | $13,200-$18,600 | | Preschool | $1,000-$1,400 | $12,000-$16,800 |

By area:

• Waldorf: Higher due to DC commuters ($1,300-1,800)
• La Plata: Moderate ($1,150-1,650)
• Lexington Park: Military influence, moderate ($1,200-1,700)

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Maryland Child Care Assistance

Child Care Scholarship Program

Maryland's main childcare subsidy program.

Who qualifies:

• Families at or below 65% State Median Income
• Working, in school, or in job training
• Transitioning from Temporary Cash Assistance

Income limits (2024):

• Family of 3: ~$54,000/year
• Family of 4: ~$65,000/year

What you get:

• Subsidy covers most or all childcare costs
• Copay based on income
• Can use at licensed centers, family childcare, or approved informal care

How to apply: Through Maryland State Department of Education or your local Family Support Center

Maryland Pre-K (EXCELS)

Who qualifies:

• 3 and 4-year-olds
• Income-eligible families (up to 300% poverty level)
• Children with IEPs
• Priority for highest-need children

Cost: Free for qualifying families.

How to apply: Through your local school district or EXCELS provider

Blueprint for Maryland's Future

Maryland is dramatically expanding pre-K access through this landmark legislation.

What's happening:

• Goal: Universal pre-K for all 3 and 4-year-olds
• Phased implementation through 2030
• Current priority: Lowest-income families
• Expanding to all families over time

Head Start and Early Head Start

Who qualifies:

• Families at or below federal poverty level
• Foster children
• Homeless families

What's included:

• Free preschool or infant/toddler care
• Health screenings
• Family support services
• Meals included

Cost: Free

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Montgomery County Specific Programs

Working Parents Assistance Program (WPAP)

County supplement to state assistance—Montgomery County only.

Who qualifies:

• Montgomery County residents
• Income up to 75% state median income
• Working families or in approved activities

What you get:

• Additional subsidy beyond state program
• Helps bridge gap for moderate-income families

How to apply: Through Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services

Montgomery County Pre-K Program

County-funded preschool expansion:

• Additional slots beyond state program
• Income-based eligibility
• Available at public schools and approved providers

Apply: Through montgomeryschoolsmd.org or your local school

Excel Montgomery

Quality rating improvement program for Montgomery County providers.

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Maryland EXCELS Quality Rating

Maryland's quality rating system for childcare programs.

Rating Levels:

• Level 5: Highest quality, exceeds standards
• Level 4: High quality
• Level 3: Quality program
• Level 2: Meets standards
• Level 1: Participating

What to look for: Aim for Level 3-5 programs when possible.

Search: marylandexcels.org

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Ways to Save on Childcare in Maryland

1. Dependent Care FSA

Maryland has graduated income tax (2-5.75%) plus local county income taxes (up to 3.2%).

Savings on $5,000 contributed:

• Federal tax savings: $1,100-1,500
• MD state tax savings: $150-290
• County tax savings: $100-160
• Total: $1,350-1,950/year

This makes Maryland one of the best states for FSA savings due to combined state and county taxes.

2. Maryland Child Care Tax Credit

Maryland offers a state credit tied to the federal credit:

• Up to 32.5% of federal credit for lower-income families
• Phases out as income increases

Potential additional savings: $200-800/year

3. Move to Prince George's County

PG County costs 20-30% less than Montgomery County while remaining Metro-accessible. Many federal workers make this trade-off.

4. Licensed Family Daycare

Home daycares cost 25-35% less than centers. Maryland has strong family childcare licensing through EXCELS.

5. Consider Frederick or Howard County

Slightly lower costs than inner DC suburbs with excellent schools and quality options.

6. Federal Employee Benefits

Many Maryland families work for the federal government. Benefits include:

• Dependent Care FSA (up to $5,000)
• Federal backup care programs
• On-site childcare at some agencies
• Flexible work schedules

7. Church and Faith-Based Programs

Maryland has many faith-based childcare options at 15-25% below market rates.

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Finding Childcare in Maryland

Where to Search

State resources:

• Maryland EXCELS (marylandexcels.org)
• Maryland Family Network (marylandfamilynetwork.org)
• LOCATE: Child Care (locate.marylandfamilynetwork.org)

National resources:

• Care.com
• Winnie.com
• Yelp reviews

Licensing Requirements

Maryland licenses childcare centers and family childcare homes. Look for:

• Current license displayed
• EXCELS quality rating
• Staff qualifications
• Recent inspection reports

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FAQ

Q: Why is Montgomery County so expensive for childcare?

A: High cost of living, strong licensing requirements, highly educated workforce demanding good wages, expensive real estate for facilities, and high demand from dual-income federal households all contribute.

Q: Is Maryland or Virginia cheaper for DC-area childcare?

A: Similar costs in comparable areas. Montgomery County, MD is similar to Fairfax County, VA. Prince George's County, MD is similar to Prince William County, VA. Both states have high costs near DC.

Q: Does Maryland have free Pre-K?

A: Maryland Pre-K offers free preschool for income-qualifying 3 and 4-year-olds (up to 300% poverty). The state is expanding toward universal pre-K through the Blueprint for Maryland's Future.

Q: What's the cheapest area in Maryland for childcare?

A: Western Maryland (Hagerstown, Cumberland) and the Eastern Shore have the lowest costs—often 40-50% less than the DC suburbs.

Q: How do I find quality childcare in Maryland?

A: Use Maryland EXCELS to search for quality-rated programs. Look for Level 3-5 programs for best quality indicators.

Q: When should I start looking for childcare in Maryland?

A: For Montgomery County: during pregnancy (12-18 months ahead for popular areas). For Baltimore metro: 6-12 months ahead. For other areas: 3-6 months ahead.

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Conclusion

Maryland childcare costs are among the highest in the nation, particularly in the DC suburbs. However, the state is making significant investments in expanding access through the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, which aims to provide universal pre-K for all 3 and 4-year-olds.

Key takeaways:

• Montgomery County is among the most expensive markets in the country
• Prince George's County offers 20-30% savings with Metro access
• EXCELS ratings help identify quality programs
• Blueprint for Maryland's Future is expanding pre-K access
• Federal employee benefits can significantly reduce costs

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More Maryland childcare resources:

• How Much Does Child Care Cost? →
• How to Afford Child Care →
• Childcare Costs in Virginia →
• Best Childcare Options Compared →