Childcare Cost in Maryland (2026)
Infant daycare in Maryland averages $17,000/year ($1,417/month) — 17% above the national average.
Childcare Costs by Maryland Metro Area
| City | Daycare (Infant) | Nanny (Infant) | Nanny Share | Au Pair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore | $17,000 | $33,000 | $19,000 | $22,000 |
Maryland Childcare Assistance & Subsidies
Maryland Child Care Scholarship
Maryland provides childcare scholarships with recently expanded eligibility under the Blueprint legislation.
State Tax Benefits
Maryland offers a state Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit worth up to 32.5% of the federal credit.
Learn more in our Childcare Tax Benefits Guide or the full Maryland Childcare Subsidies Guide.
Maryland Childcare Costs in Context
In Maryland, the Baltimore metro is the market we track, where infant daycare averages about $17,000/year — 17% above the national average of $14,500.
That ranks Maryland #11 of the 28 states in our dataset for infant daycare cost. With daycare below $22,000/year statewide, a flat-rate au pair (~$22,000/year) is rarely the cheapest option in Maryland.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does daycare cost in Maryland?
Infant daycare in Maryland averages $17,000 per year ($1,417/month). This is 17% above the national average of $14,500.
What childcare subsidies are available in Maryland?
Maryland offers the Maryland Child Care Scholarship. Maryland provides childcare scholarships with recently expanded eligibility under the Blueprint legislation. Maryland offers a state Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit worth up to 32.5% of the federal credit.
Get Your Personalized Maryland Estimate
Enter your zip code for exact costs in your area, including tax savings and subsidy eligibility.
Calculate Your Costs