Childcare Cost in Massachusetts (2026)
Infant daycare in Massachusetts averages $23,000/year ($1,917/month) — 59% above the national average.
Childcare Costs by Massachusetts Metro Area
| City | Daycare (Infant) | Nanny (Infant) | Nanny Share | Au Pair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | $23,000 | $40,000 | $23,000 | $22,000 |
Massachusetts Childcare Assistance & Subsidies
Massachusetts Child Care Financial Assistance
Massachusetts provides childcare subsidies through the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).
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.
Learn more in our Childcare Tax Benefits Guide or the full Massachusetts Childcare Subsidies Guide.
Massachusetts Childcare Costs in Context
In Massachusetts, the Boston metro is the market we track, where infant daycare averages about $23,000/year — 59% above the national average of $14,500.
That ranks Massachusetts #2 of the 28 states in our dataset for infant daycare cost. In Massachusetts, a flat-rate au pair (~$22,000/year) can actually cost less than a daycare center.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does daycare cost in Massachusetts?
Infant daycare in Massachusetts averages $23,000 per year ($1,917/month). This is 59% above the national average of $14,500.
What childcare subsidies are available in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts offers the Massachusetts Child Care Financial Assistance. Massachusetts provides childcare subsidies through the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). Massachusetts offers a Dependent Care Deduction of up to $3,600 for one child or $7,200 for two or more children.
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