Child Care Costs in Massachusetts 2026: Boston, Cambridge & Statewide Prices

Massachusetts consistently ranks as one of the top 3 most expensive states for childcare in the nation, often trading the top spot with California and the District of Columbia. The combination of high cost of living, strict licensing requirements, and a highly educated workforce drives prices that can rival or exceed housing costs for many families. This guide breaks down what parents actually pay across the Bay State.

Average Child Care Costs in Massachusetts

Quick Overview

| Care Type | Boston/Cambridge | Metro Suburbs | Other Cities | Western MA | |-----------|------------------|---------------|--------------|------------| | Infant Daycare | $2,200-$3,200 | $1,800-$2,600 | $1,400-$2,000 | $1,200-$1,700 | | Toddler Daycare | $1,900-$2,700 | $1,550-$2,200 | $1,200-$1,700 | $1,000-$1,450 | | Preschool | $1,600-$2,300 | $1,300-$1,900 | $1,050-$1,500 | $900-$1,300 | | Nanny | $4,000-$6,000 | $3,500-$5,000 | $3,000-$4,200 | $2,600-$3,600 | | Home Daycare | $1,500-$2,100 | $1,200-$1,700 | $1,000-$1,400 | $850-$1,200 |

Massachusetts families spend an average of 17-20% of household income on childcare, well above the federal affordability threshold of 7%.

Cost Comparison to National Average

| Care Type | MA Average | National Average | Difference | |-----------|------------|------------------|------------| | Infant Daycare | $2,400/month | $1,350/month | 78% above | | Toddler Daycare | $2,000/month | $1,200/month | 67% above | | Preschool | $1,700/month | $1,100/month | 55% above |

Massachusetts childcare costs are among the highest in the nation, exceeded only occasionally by Manhattan and San Francisco.

Why Massachusetts Childcare Is So Expensive

Several factors drive Massachusetts's exceptionally high childcare costs:

Strict licensing requirements: Low staff-to-child ratios (1:3 for infants) increase labor costs
Educated workforce: Early childhood teachers expect competitive wages
High cost of living: Boston real estate is among the most expensive in the nation
Biotech/tech economy: Competition for workers drives wages up across sectors
Limited supply: High barriers to entry create provider shortages

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Boston & Cambridge Costs

Boston Proper

Boston's childcare market is one of the most expensive in the country, with premium neighborhoods commanding premium prices.

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $2,400-$3,400 | $28,800-$40,800 | | Toddler Daycare | $2,000-$2,900 | $24,000-$34,800 | | Preschool | $1,700-$2,500 | $20,400-$30,000 | | Nanny | $4,200-$6,500 | $50,400-$78,000 | | Home Daycare | $1,600-$2,200 | $19,200-$26,400 |

By neighborhood:

| Neighborhood | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes | |--------------|---------------|-----------------|-------| | Back Bay | $2,800-$3,600 | $2,400-$3,100 | Highest costs | | Beacon Hill | $2,800-$3,600 | $2,400-$3,100 | Historic, limited options | | South End | $2,600-$3,400 | $2,200-$2,900 | Family-friendly, premium | | Jamaica Plain | $2,200-$2,800 | $1,900-$2,500 | Progressive community | | South Boston | $2,200-$2,800 | $1,900-$2,500 | Young family influx | | Charlestown | $2,100-$2,700 | $1,800-$2,400 | Growing demand | | Brookline (border) | $2,400-$3,000 | $2,000-$2,700 | Excellent schools | | Dorchester | $1,800-$2,400 | $1,500-$2,100 | More affordable | | Roxbury | $1,700-$2,300 | $1,400-$2,000 | Most affordable Boston |

Back Bay/Beacon Hill specifics:

Extremely limited spots available
Waitlists of 18-24 months for top centers
Many families with nannies due to limited center options
Premium pricing reflects exclusivity

Jamaica Plain/South Boston specifics:

Growing family populations driving demand
More co-op and progressive options
Slightly more affordable than downtown
Better availability than Back Bay

Cambridge

Cambridge commands premium prices due to Harvard, MIT, and the biotech industry concentration.

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $2,500-$3,500 | $30,000-$42,000 | | Toddler Daycare | $2,100-$3,000 | $25,200-$36,000 | | Preschool | $1,800-$2,600 | $21,600-$31,200 | | Nanny | $4,500-$6,500 | $54,000-$78,000 | | Home Daycare | $1,700-$2,300 | $20,400-$27,600 |

By area:

| Area | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes | |------|---------------|-----------------|-------| | Harvard Square | $2,700-$3,600 | $2,300-$3,100 | Highest demand | | Kendall Square | $2,600-$3,500 | $2,200-$3,000 | Biotech hub | | Porter Square | $2,400-$3,200 | $2,000-$2,800 | Slightly more available | | North Cambridge | $2,200-$3,000 | $1,900-$2,600 | More affordable | | East Cambridge | $2,300-$3,100 | $2,000-$2,700 | Growing area |

Cambridge specifics:

University-affiliated centers highly sought after
Biotech companies often provide childcare subsidies
Many Montessori and Reggio Emilia programs
Extremely competitive waitlists

Somerville

Increasingly popular with young families, Somerville offers slightly lower costs than Cambridge.

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $2,200-$3,000 | $26,400-$36,000 | | Toddler Daycare | $1,900-$2,600 | $22,800-$31,200 | | Preschool | $1,600-$2,300 | $19,200-$27,600 | | Nanny | $4,000-$5,500 | $48,000-$66,000 | | Home Daycare | $1,500-$2,100 | $18,000-$25,200 |

By area: Davis Square, Union Square, Ball Square, Teele Square

Metro Boston Suburbs

North Shore

| Area | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes | |------|---------------|-----------------|-------| | Newton | $2,200-$2,900 | $1,900-$2,500 | Excellent schools, high demand | | Wellesley | $2,200-$2,900 | $1,900-$2,500 | Premium suburb | | Brookline | $2,300-$3,000 | $1,950-$2,600 | Boston adjacent, top schools | | Lexington | $2,000-$2,700 | $1,750-$2,300 | Revolutionary history, great schools | | Concord | $2,000-$2,700 | $1,750-$2,300 | Historic, affluent | | Arlington | $1,900-$2,500 | $1,650-$2,200 | Good value near Boston | | Belmont | $2,000-$2,600 | $1,700-$2,300 | Strong schools | | Beverly | $1,700-$2,300 | $1,450-$2,000 | North Shore charm | | Salem | $1,650-$2,250 | $1,400-$1,950 | More affordable | | Lynn | $1,500-$2,100 | $1,300-$1,800 | Most affordable North Shore | | Peabody | $1,550-$2,150 | $1,350-$1,850 | Good value |

Newton/Wellesley specifics:

Some of the best public schools in MA
High demand drives prices up
Many families move here for schools and accept childcare costs
Good availability of quality programs

South Shore

| Area | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes | |------|---------------|-----------------|-------| | Quincy | $1,800-$2,400 | $1,550-$2,100 | Red Line access | | Braintree | $1,850-$2,450 | $1,600-$2,150 | Good commute options | | Hingham | $2,000-$2,700 | $1,700-$2,300 | Coastal premium | | Cohasset | $2,100-$2,800 | $1,800-$2,400 | Affluent coastal | | Scituate | $1,900-$2,500 | $1,600-$2,200 | Beach town | | Weymouth | $1,700-$2,250 | $1,450-$1,950 | More affordable | | Plymouth | $1,600-$2,200 | $1,400-$1,900 | Historic, growing | | Norwell | $1,900-$2,500 | $1,650-$2,200 | Family-oriented |

MetroWest

| Area | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes | |------|---------------|-----------------|-------| | Framingham | $1,900-$2,500 | $1,650-$2,200 | Diverse, growing | | Natick | $1,950-$2,550 | $1,700-$2,250 | Good schools | | Waltham | $2,000-$2,700 | $1,700-$2,300 | Near universities | | Watertown | $2,000-$2,700 | $1,700-$2,300 | Boston adjacent | | Needham | $2,050-$2,700 | $1,750-$2,350 | Excellent schools | | Dedham | $1,850-$2,450 | $1,600-$2,100 | Good value | | Sudbury | $2,000-$2,600 | $1,700-$2,250 | Affluent suburb | | Marlborough | $1,700-$2,300 | $1,450-$2,000 | Tech corridor |

Route 128 Corridor

| Area | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes | |------|---------------|-----------------|-------| | Weston | $2,200-$2,900 | $1,900-$2,500 | Affluent | | Wayland | $2,100-$2,800 | $1,800-$2,400 | Family-focused | | Lincoln | $2,100-$2,800 | $1,800-$2,400 | Rural feel | | Burlington | $1,850-$2,450 | $1,600-$2,100 | Tech hub | | Woburn | $1,750-$2,350 | $1,500-$2,000 | Good value |

Other Massachusetts Regions

Worcester

Second-largest city in New England with more moderate costs.

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $1,400-$1,900 | $16,800-$22,800 | | Toddler Daycare | $1,200-$1,650 | $14,400-$19,800 | | Preschool | $1,050-$1,450 | $12,600-$17,400 | | Nanny | $2,800-$3,800 | $33,600-$45,600 | | Home Daycare | $1,000-$1,400 | $12,000-$16,800 |

Worcester specifics:

40-50% less expensive than Boston
Several quality university-affiliated programs
Growing biotech presence
Good Head Start availability

Springfield/Western MA

Most affordable region in Massachusetts.

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $1,200-$1,650 | $14,400-$19,800 | | Toddler Daycare | $1,000-$1,400 | $12,000-$16,800 | | Preschool | $900-$1,250 | $10,800-$15,000 | | Nanny | $2,500-$3,400 | $30,000-$40,800 | | Home Daycare | $800-$1,150 | $9,600-$13,800 |

By area:

| City | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes | |------|---------------|-----------------|-------| | Springfield | $1,150-$1,600 | $975-$1,375 | Largest in region | | Holyoke | $1,100-$1,550 | $950-$1,350 | Industrial city | | Northampton | $1,300-$1,800 | $1,100-$1,550 | College town, progressive | | Amherst | $1,350-$1,850 | $1,150-$1,600 | UMass influence | | Westfield | $1,100-$1,500 | $950-$1,300 | Affordable | | Pittsfield | $1,050-$1,450 | $900-$1,250 | Berkshires, most affordable |

Western MA advantages:

40-60% cheaper than Boston metro
Lower cost of living overall
Good quality programs available
Five College Consortium creates educated workforce

Cape Cod & Islands

Seasonal availability challenges create unique market conditions.

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $1,600-$2,200 | $19,200-$26,400 | | Toddler Daycare | $1,400-$1,900 | $16,800-$22,800 | | Preschool | $1,200-$1,700 | $14,400-$20,400 | | Nanny | $3,200-$4,500 | $38,400-$54,000 | | Home Daycare | $1,200-$1,700 | $14,400-$20,400 |

Cape Cod challenges:

Severe childcare shortage year-round
Many providers close or reduce capacity off-season
Long waitlists for year-round care
Staff housing challenges limit provider capacity

Islands (Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket):

Even more severe shortages
Costs 20-30% higher than Cape
Limited year-round options
Some employers provide childcare benefits

Lowell/Lawrence/Merrimack Valley

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $1,400-$1,900 | $16,800-$22,800 | | Toddler Daycare | $1,200-$1,650 | $14,400-$19,800 | | Preschool | $1,000-$1,400 | $12,000-$16,800 | | Nanny | $2,800-$3,800 | $33,600-$45,600 | | Home Daycare | $1,000-$1,400 | $12,000-$16,800 |

Key areas: Lowell, Lawrence, Haverhill, Andover, North Andover, Chelmsford

Southeast Massachusetts

| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Daycare | $1,500-$2,100 | $18,000-$25,200 | | Toddler Daycare | $1,300-$1,800 | $15,600-$21,600 | | Preschool | $1,100-$1,550 | $13,200-$18,600 |

Key areas: New Bedford, Fall River, Taunton, Brockton

Massachusetts Child Care Assistance

Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA)

Massachusetts's primary childcare subsidy program.

Who qualifies:

Families at or below 50% State Median Income (for initial eligibility)
Priority for families below poverty level
Working families, students, those in training

Income limits (2024):

| Family Size | Initial Eligibility (50% SMI) | Stay On Up To (85% SMI) | |-------------|------------------------------|-------------------------| | 2 | $37,000/year | $63,000/year | | 3 | $45,000/year | $77,000/year | | 4 | $55,000/year | $94,000/year | | 5 | $63,000/year | $107,000/year |

What's covered:

Licensed child care centers
Licensed family child care
Before/after school programs

Wait list reality: Massachusetts has historically had waitlists for childcare assistance. Check current status with your local CCR&R.

How to apply: Contact your local Child Care Resource and Referral agency (CCR&R)

Massachusetts Universal Pre-K Expansion

Massachusetts is investing heavily in early education but doesn't yet have universal Pre-K.

Current status:

Major expansion underway
Not yet universal statewide
Some districts offer free Pre-K
Increasing state funding each year

What's available:

Income-based slots in many districts
Expanding to more communities annually
Check with your local school department

Head Start

Who qualifies:

Families at or below 100% federal poverty level
Foster children (automatic eligibility)
Homeless families (automatic eligibility)

What's included:

Free preschool (ages 3-5)
Health and developmental screenings
Nutritious meals
Family support services

Cost: Completely free.

Boston Public Schools Pre-K (Boston Only)

K0 (3-year-olds):

Free half-day program
Limited spots, lottery-based
Apply through BPS

K1 (4-year-olds):

Free full-day program
More spots available than K0
Quality varies by school
Lottery-based admission

Apply: Through Boston Public Schools application process (usually opens January)

Ways to Save on Childcare in Massachusetts

1. Dependent Care FSA

Massachusetts has a 5% state income tax, adding to federal savings.

Savings on $5,000 contributed:

| Income Level | Federal Savings | MA State Savings | Total Savings | |--------------|-----------------|------------------|---------------| | $75,000 | $1,100 | $250 | $1,350 | | $100,000 | $1,200 | $250 | $1,450 | | $150,000+ | $1,600 | $250 | $1,850 |

2. Massachusetts EITC

Massachusetts provides 30% of federal EITC—one of the highest state rates.

Example: If you receive $3,000 federal EITC, Massachusetts adds $900.

3. Licensed Family Childcare

Family child care costs 30-40% less than centers in Massachusetts.

Finding quality providers:

Use Mass.gov childcare search
Check licensing status and inspection reports
Look for QRIS (quality rating) participation
Visit before enrolling

4. University-Affiliated Care

Boston-area universities often have childcare centers:

| University | Program | |------------|---------| | Harvard | Harvard University Early Learning Centers | | MIT | MIT Technology Children's Center | | Boston University | BU Child Care Center | | Northeastern | Northeastern Early Learning Center | | Boston College | BC Children's Center |

Benefits:

Sometimes lower rates for students/staff
High-quality early childhood education
Research-based practices
Long waitlists but worth exploring

5. Employer Benefits

Many Boston-area employers (especially biotech and tech) offer childcare subsidies.

Major employers with childcare benefits:

Moderna (backup care, subsidies)
Biogen (on-site, subsidies)
Vertex (childcare assistance)
HubSpot (backup care)
Fidelity (subsidized care)
State Street (backup care)
Partners Healthcare (priority access)

6. Co-op Preschools

Parent-participation preschools cost 30-50% less than traditional programs.

How they work:

Parents volunteer in classroom
Lower tuition in exchange for time
Strong community involvement
Usually half-day programs

Examples: Various parent co-ops throughout Boston suburbs

7. Western MA Living

| Location | Infant Cost | vs. Cambridge | |----------|-------------|---------------| | Cambridge | $3,000 | baseline | | Worcester | $1,650 | -$1,350/month | | Springfield | $1,400 | -$1,600/month | | Pittsfield | $1,250 | -$1,750/month |

Annual savings: $16,200-21,000 by living in Western MA.

Finding Childcare in Massachusetts

EEC Provider Search

Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care maintains a searchable database.

Visit: mass.gov/orgs/department-of-early-education-and-care

Search for:

Licensed child care centers
Licensed family child care
Program capacity and vacancy
Licensing history

Quality Rating System (QRIS)

Massachusetts uses a quality rating system:

Levels:

Level 1: Meets licensing requirements
Level 2: Additional quality indicators
Level 3: Higher quality standards
Level 4: Highest quality programs

How to use it:

Higher levels indicate stronger programs
Some subsidized families get priority for higher-rated programs

Licensing Requirements

Massachusetts has some of the strictest childcare licensing in the nation:

| Age Group | Staff:Child Ratio | Maximum Group Size | |-----------|-------------------|-------------------| | Infants (0-15 months) | 1:3 | 7 | | Toddlers (15-33 months) | 1:4 | 9 | | Preschool (33 months-K) | 1:10 | 20 |

These low ratios contribute to higher costs but also higher quality.

FAQ

Q: Why is Massachusetts childcare so expensive?

A: High cost of living (especially Boston real estate), strict staff-to-child ratios (1:3 for infants), an educated workforce expecting competitive wages, and the biotech/tech economy all contribute to making Massachusetts one of the most expensive states for childcare.

Q: Is Boston or Cambridge more expensive for childcare?

A: Cambridge is typically 5-10% more expensive due to Harvard, MIT, and biotech concentration. However, some Boston neighborhoods (Back Bay, Beacon Hill) rival Cambridge prices.

Q: Does Massachusetts have free Pre-K?

A: Not universally yet, but expanding rapidly. Boston offers free K0 (3-year-olds, half-day) and K1 (4-year-olds, full-day) through BPS. Some other districts offer free Pre-K. Check with your local school department.

Q: What's the cheapest area in Massachusetts?

A: Western Massachusetts (Springfield, Holyoke, Pittsfield area) offers the lowest costs—often 40-60% less than Boston. Worcester is also significantly more affordable than Boston.

Q: How long are Boston daycare waitlists?

A: Back Bay/Beacon Hill: 18-24 months. South End/JP/South Boston: 12-18 months. Cambridge: 12-18 months. Suburbs: 6-12 months. Always start looking as early as possible.

Q: What's the childcare situation on Cape Cod?

A: Cape Cod has a severe childcare shortage due to housing costs for staff and seasonal population fluctuations. Start looking very early and expect long waitlists for year-round care.

Conclusion

Massachusetts ranks among the most expensive states for childcare, with Boston and Cambridge commanding some of the highest prices in the nation. However, the state's commitment to quality (strict ratios, educated workforce) means families generally receive high-quality care. Western Massachusetts offers substantial savings for those willing to relocate.

Key takeaways:

Boston/Cambridge are among the most expensive childcare markets nationally
Western MA offers 40-60% savings compared to Boston
Massachusetts EITC (30% of federal) helps lower-income families
Boston K0/K1 provides free Pre-K for Boston residents
University-affiliated and co-op programs can reduce costs
Start waitlists very early—12-24 months for popular programs

More Massachusetts childcare resources: