Childcare Costs in Boston, MA (2026)
Average daycare, nanny, and au pair costs for the Boston metro area
Childcare in Boston is 59% above the national average for daycare center care. The most affordable option for a single infant is In-Home Daycare at approximately $17,340/year ($1,445/month), while a Full-Time Nanny is the most expensive at $52,120/year ($4,343/month) before employer taxes, based on Care.com's October 2026 average local nanny rate of $25.06/hour.
Families in Massachusetts 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 02101 for personalized estimates including tax savings.
How Boston Childcare Costs Compare
Boston's infant daycare price of $27,380/year places it #6 of the 44 metros in our dataset, one of the most expensive metros in the country. Infant daycare here runs 59% above the national average of $17,260.
The cheapest regulated choice for a Boston infant is an in-home daycare at $17,340/year; a private nanny is the priciest at $52,120/year, a $34,780 difference. Because au pair costs are a flat ~$22,000/year nationwide, an au pair actually undercuts a Boston daycare center by about $5,380/year — a reversal of the usual order that reflects how high local center tuition is.
Families with two children in care feel it most: an infant plus a toddler in daycare runs about $53,650/year in Boston before any sibling discount (centers commonly offer 5–15% off the second child). On a weekly basis, infant care alone is roughly $527.
Average Annual Childcare Costs in Boston
| Care Type | Infant (0–1) | Toddler (1–3) | Preschool (3–5) | School-Age (5–12) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daycare Center | $27,380 | $26,270 | $22,420 | $12,000 |
| In-Home Daycare | $17,340 | $16,520 | $14,390 | $9,500 |
| Full-Time Nanny | $52,120 | $52,120 | $52,120 | $17,500 |
| Nanny Share | $34,750 | $34,750 | $34,750 | $11,660 |
| 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 Boston, MA ($25.06/hour full-time, $22.43/hour after school, October 2026); Care.com 2026 Cost of Care Report national daycare rates, adjusted to the Boston metro. How we calculate.
Monthly Childcare Costs in Boston
Here's what families in Boston can expect to pay per month for infant care (the most expensive age group):
How to Save on Childcare in Boston
- 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 Massachusetts state tax benefits — Massachusetts offers additional childcare tax benefits. Use our calculator to see your specific state savings.
- Consider a nanny share — In Boston, a nanny share costs roughly $34,750/year per family vs. $52,120/year for a solo nanny — a savings of $17,370/year.
- Check Massachusetts subsidy programs — Enter your zip code in our calculator to see if you qualify for state-funded childcare assistance.
Massachusetts Childcare Assistance & Subsidies
Massachusetts Child Care Financial Assistance
Massachusetts provides childcare subsidies through the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). Income-eligible families can receive vouchers or contracted slots. The state also funds universal pre-K pilots in select communities.
State Tax Benefits
Massachusetts offers a Dependent Care Deduction of up to $3,600 for one child or $7,200 for two or more children, plus a separate Household Dependent Tax Credit.
Learn more about maximizing your savings in our Childcare Tax Benefits Guide or see our full Massachusetts Childcare Subsidies Guide.
Get Your Personalized Estimate
These are averages for the Boston 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: 02101)