Average daycare prices and childcare options in the Boston, MA metro area
Boston Childcare Cost Summary
Infant Care
Toddler Care
Preschool
Affordability in Boston
of median household income goes to infant childcare
The median household income in the Boston metro area is $107,593. Childcare costs represent a significant portion of family budgets in this area.
How Boston Compares
| Location | Infant (Monthly) | Infant (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Boston | $2,671 | $32,051 |
| Massachusetts Average | $2,226 | $26,709 |
| National Average | $1,233 | $14,800 |
Boston childcare costs are 20% higher than the Massachusetts state average.
Statewide Information
For more details on childcare costs, subsidies, and paid family leave programs across Massachusetts, see our comprehensive Massachusetts Childcare Cost Guide.
Types of Childcare in Boston
Daycare Centers
Center-based care in Boston averages $2,671/month for infants. The Boston, MA area has numerous licensed centers offering full-time care.
Family Daycare
Family daycare (in-home care providers) averages $2,051/month for infants in Boston – typically 23% less than centers.
Nanny/Au Pair
Private in-home care through a nanny in Boston typically costs $80,127/year for full-time care, higher than the national average due to cost of living.
Financial Assistance in Massachusetts
Child Care Subsidy Program
Massachusetts’s childcare subsidy program helps eligible families. Contact your local resource and referral agency to apply.
Tax Benefits
- Dependent Care FSA: Save up to $5,000/year pre-tax
- Child and Dependent Care Credit: Up to $3,000 per child
- Child Tax Credit: Up to $2,000 per child
