Childcare Costs in Baltimore, MD (2026)
Average daycare, nanny, and au pair costs for the Baltimore metro area
Childcare in Baltimore is 17% above the national average for daycare center care. The most affordable option for a single infant is In-Home Daycare at approximately $16,070/year ($1,339/month), while a Full-Time Nanny is the most expensive at $44,490/year ($3,708/month) before employer taxes, based on Care.com's October 2026 average local nanny rate of $21.39/hour.
Families in Maryland may also qualify for state-specific tax credits and childcare subsidy programs that can reduce these costs by $2,000–$6,000+ annually. Use our free calculator with zip code 21201 for personalized estimates including tax savings.
How Baltimore Childcare Costs Compare
At $20,240/year for infant daycare, Baltimore ranks #13 of 44 major U.S. metros we track — on the costlier side of the national range. Infant daycare here runs 17% above the national average of $17,260.
The cheapest regulated choice for a Baltimore infant is an in-home daycare at $16,070/year; a private nanny is the priciest at $44,490/year, a $28,420 difference. A flat-rate au pair (~$22,000/year) costs about $1,760 more than a Baltimore daycare center but $22,490 less than a full-time nanny.
Families with two children in care feel it most: an infant plus a toddler in daycare runs about $39,460/year in Baltimore before any sibling discount (centers commonly offer 5–15% off the second child). On a weekly basis, infant care alone is roughly $389.
Average Annual Childcare Costs in Baltimore
| Care Type | Infant (0–1) | Toddler (1–3) | Preschool (3–5) | School-Age (5–12) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daycare Center | $20,240 | $19,220 | $16,660 | $9,500 |
| In-Home Daycare | $16,070 | $15,380 | $13,450 | $8,000 |
| Full-Time Nanny | $44,490 | $44,490 | $44,490 | $15,480 |
| Nanny Share | $29,660 | $29,660 | $29,660 | $10,320 |
| Au Pair | $22,000/year (flat rate per household) | |||
Costs are annual estimates for full-time care (5 days/week); school-age figures are before/after-school care (nanny: 15 hours/week) and exclude full-day summer care. Part-time schedules reduce costs proportionally. Nanny costs do not include employer payroll taxes (~10.25% additional). Sources: Care.com average nanny rates for Baltimore, MD ($21.39/hour full-time, $19.85/hour after school, October 2026); Care.com 2026 Cost of Care Report national daycare rates, adjusted to the Baltimore metro. How we calculate.
Monthly Childcare Costs in Baltimore
Here's what families in Baltimore can expect to pay per month for infant care (the most expensive age group):
How to Save on Childcare in Baltimore
- Max out your Dependent Care FSA — Contribute up to $7,500 pre-tax in 2026 ($3,750 if married filing separately; employer plan required). At a 12–24% federal bracket plus 7.65% FICA that saves about $1,470–$2,380 before state tax. This benefit is available regardless of which state you live in.
- Claim the federal Child & Dependent Care Credit — For 2026 the credit is 20–50% of up to $3,000 (one child) or $6,000 (two or more), but dollars paid through a Dependent Care FSA reduce those caps, so a full $7,500 FSA leaves no credit.
- Check Maryland state tax benefits — Maryland offers additional childcare tax benefits. Use our calculator to see your specific state savings.
- Consider a nanny share — In Baltimore, a nanny share costs roughly $29,660/year per family vs. $44,490/year for a solo nanny — a savings of $14,830/year.
- Check Maryland subsidy programs — Enter your zip code in our calculator to see if you qualify for state-funded childcare assistance.
Maryland Childcare Assistance & Subsidies
Maryland Child Care Scholarship
Maryland provides childcare scholarships (subsidies) to eligible families. The state recently expanded eligibility and increased provider rates under the Blueprint for Maryland's Future legislation. Maryland also funds free pre-K for all 4-year-olds from low-income families.
State Tax Benefits
Maryland offers a state Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit worth up to 32.5% of the federal credit for families earning under $50,000.
Learn more about maximizing your savings in our Childcare Tax Benefits Guide or see our full Maryland Childcare Subsidies Guide.
Get Your Personalized Estimate
These are averages for the Baltimore metro area. Your actual costs depend on your specific location, number of children, ages, and schedule. Our free calculator gives you a personalized breakdown including tax savings.
Calculate Your Costs (Zip: 21201)