What is the average cost of daycare in Massachusetts?
What is the average cost of daycare in Massachusetts?
$1,700 – $2,800 average cost per month (infant)
$1,200 – $2,200 average cost per month (toddler)
Average cost of daycare in Massachusetts
The average cost of childcare in Massachusetts is $1,200 to $2,800 per month or $14,400 to $33,600 per year, depending on your child's age, the type of care you choose, and where you live in the state. Daycare prices are significantly higher in the Boston area, Cambridge, and other metropolitan regions compared to smaller cities and rural communities throughout Massachusetts.
| Child’s age | Average cost per month* | Average cost per year* |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $1,700 – $2,800 | $20,400 – $33,600 |
| Toddler | $1,200 – $2,200 | $14,400 – $24,000 |
*For full-time care
Cost of center vs. in-home daycare in Massachusetts
The choice between center-based and in-home daycare impacts the cost and the type of experience your child receives. Daycare centers offer structured educational programs, professionally trained staff, and facilities designed specifically for children. In-home daycare provides a more personal, family-style atmosphere with smaller group sizes.
The table below shows the average cost at a daycare center versus an in-home daycare in Massachusetts.
| Child’s age | Daycare center cost per month* |
In-home daycare cost per month* |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $2,000 – $2,800 | $1,700 – $2,400 |
| Toddler | $1,500 – $2,200 | $1,200 – $1,800 |
*For full-time care
Cost of daycare in Massachusetts for infants
The average cost of daycare for infants in Massachusetts is $1,700 to $2,800 per month for full-time care five days per week, with lower rates for half-day care or fewer days per week. Costs are highest for infant care because it requires lower child-to-caregiver ratios and specialized attention.
Massachusetts' childcare regulations classify children under 15 months old as infants. The table below shows the average cost of full-time and part-time infant daycare in Massachusetts.
| Daycare schedule | Average cost per month |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $1,700 – $2,800 |
| Part-time | $1,200 – $2,200 |
Cost of childcare in Massachusetts for toddlers
The average cost of childcare for toddlers in Massachusetts is $1,200 to $2,200 per month for five days per week, with lower rates for part-time care. Toddler programs serve children from 15 months to around 4 years old and focus on developing independence, social skills, and early learning concepts through play-based activities and age-appropriate educational experiences.
The table below shows the average cost of full-time and part-time daycare for toddlers in Massachusetts.
| Daycare schedule | Average cost per month |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $1,200 – $2,200 |
| Part-time | $1,000 – $1,800 |
What affects daycare prices in Massachusetts?
Several factors affect the cost of childcare in Massachusetts:
Child's age: Infant care costs more than toddler care due to mandatory lower child-to-caregiver ratios and the specialized care required for babies.
Location within Massachusetts: Daycare centers in high-cost areas like Boston, Cambridge, Newton, and other affluent suburbs charge significantly more than providers in smaller towns or rural areas. Proximity to major employment centers and universities also drives up demand and pricing.
Center vs. in-home daycare: Licensed childcare centers charge higher rates for their structured curricula, certified teaching staff, and purpose-built facilities including age-appropriate playgrounds and learning environments. Family daycare providers offer more affordable rates while maintaining smaller group sizes.
Program quality: Premium daycare centers with enhanced educational programs, STEM activities, foreign language instruction, or arts enrichment charge more than basic childcare providers.
Staff qualifications: Childcare programs that employ teachers with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education, child development, or related fields charge higher rates than centers with less credentialed staff.
Services and supplies included: Some daycares include meals, snacks, diapers, and educational materials in their base tuition, while others charge separately for these items or require parents to provide their own supplies. Extended hours, transportation, and specialized services increase costs.
Many centers offer discounts for siblings enrolled together, active-duty military personnel, or families that pay monthly or quarterly instead of weekly.
Regional daycare costs in Massachusetts
Childcare costs vary significantly across different regions of Massachusetts:
Greater Boston area: Boston and surrounding communities like Cambridge, Somerville, and Brookline have the highest childcare costs in the state, with some families paying more than $3,500 per month.
MetroWest suburbs: Daycare providers in affluent communities like Newton, Wellesley, Weston, and Lexington charge some of the highest rates in Massachusetts.
North Shore: Daycares in Salem, Beverly, and Marblehead have moderate-to-high prices, with costs varying based on local economic factors and proximity to Boston.
South Shore: Providers in communities like Quincy, Weymouth, and Plymouth have more moderate pricing.
Central Massachusetts: Worcester and surrounding areas offer more affordable childcare rates compared to eastern Massachusetts, though quality programs remain available at competitive prices.
Western Massachusetts: The Pioneer Valley, including Springfield, Northampton, and Amherst, offers the most affordable childcare options in the state while maintaining good access to educational programs and services.
Cape Cod and the Islands: Daycare costs vary significantly between summer and off-season periods due to seasonal demand and the limited year-round population.
Daycare cost vs. other childcare options
These other childcare alternatives may offer more flexibility to better suit your needs and schedule but often cost more than daycare:
A nanny costs $2,300 to $4,300 per month.
A babysitter costs $2,200 to $3,400 per month.
An au pair costs $1,400 to $2,100 per month.
Childcare assistance in Massachusetts
Massachusetts offers several programs to help families manage childcare expenses:
Massachusetts Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA) program helps cover childcare costs for eligible low-income working families, students, and job training participants, though waiting lists are long due to high demand.
Head Start and Early Head Start programs serve income-eligible families with children from birth to age 5, providing comprehensive early childhood education, health services, nutrition programs, and family support at no cost to qualifying families.
Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) offers various supportive services, including quality rating systems, professional development for providers, and resources to help families find licensed childcare options.
Dependent Care Assistance Programs (DCAP) allow eligible employees to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified childcare expenses, reducing the overall cost burden for working families.
FAQs about childcare in Massachusetts
Do daycares in Massachusetts need a license?
Yes, Massachusetts requires licensing for all childcare providers serving children from families other than their own. Licensed providers must meet comprehensive health and safety standards, maintain required child-to-staff ratios, complete background checks, and participate in ongoing training programs.
Massachusetts offers several types of childcare licenses:
Group Child Care Centers serve multiple children in a dedicated facility with structured programs and professional staff.
School Age Child Care Programs provide before and after-school care for children ages 5 to 14.
Family Child Care providers care for up to 10 children, including the provider's own children, in the provider's home.
Large Group and School Age Family Child Care providers care for more than 10 children unrelated to the provider, with additional licensing requirements.
When are daycares open in Massachusetts?
Most Massachusetts daycares operate Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM, though specific hours vary by provider. Some centers open as early as 6:30 AM or remain open until 6:30 PM to accommodate working parents' schedules, while others close as early as 5:00 PM.
Always confirm your childcare provider's exact operating hours, holiday schedules, and late pickup policies. Late pickup fees in Massachusetts range from $1 to $10+ per minute, making on-time pickup essential for avoiding additional charges.
Are meals included in Massachusetts daycare costs?
Meal inclusion varies by daycare provider. Some daycare centers include nutritious meals and snacks in their base tuition rates, while others charge separately or require parents to pack lunches and snacks. Many licensed centers participate in federal nutrition programs that help offset meal costs for qualifying families.
How far in advance should I apply for daycare in Massachusetts?
Due to high demand, especially in the Greater Boston area, many parents begin searching for childcare at least 6 to 12 months before they need care. Infant spots are particularly competitive and may require even earlier planning. Starting your search early provides more options and better chances of securing your preferred provider.
How to find the best daycare near you
When evaluating Massachusetts daycare providers, follow these steps to help you choose the best option for your child:
Read reviews of daycare providers near you on TrustedCare and Google.
Schedule visits during operating hours to observe staff interactions and daily routines.
Evaluate the facility's safety, cleanliness, and age-appropriate equipment and play areas.
Meet with directors and teachers to assess their qualifications and childcare philosophy.
Review the center's educational programs and enrichment activities to ensure they match your expectations.
Verify the provider is licensed and has no violations on record.
Ask for references from current families and contact them about their experiences.
Get a written contract that details all costs, schedules, and policies.
Questions to ask childcare providers
Ask these important questions when visiting local daycare centers:
How long has your daycare been operating?
What are your licensing credentials and recent inspection results?
What are your hours of operation, and on which holidays are you closed?
What is your current child-to-staff ratio for my child's age group?
What educational curriculum and enrichment activities do you offer?
How much outdoor play do children receive daily?
How do you handle discipline and behavioral guidance?
What is your sick child policy?
What meals, snacks, and supplies are included in your rates?
How do you communicate with parents about daily activities and developmental progress?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.