Massachusetts Child Care Costs 2026: Boston & Statewide Guide

A comprehensive analysis of Child Care costs for working parents, employers, and government agencies in the State of Massachusetts.

Massachusetts is a bit like the Michael Jordan of states when it comes to global education destinations — Harvard, MIT, Tufts, BU. Not to mention destinations like Cape Cod and some of the best sports culture in the country: who wouldn’t want to raise a family here?

Well, if you’re a parent in Massachusetts, you’re likely aware of the high cost of Child Care.

• The average annual cost of infant care in Massachusetts is $26,343 (up from $20,913 in 2023) —that’s $2,195 per month.
• Child Care is also expensive, coming in at $20,669 per year or $1,722 per month.

This is a significant expense for many families, and it’s no surprise that Child Care costs are a major concern for parents across the state. Child Care costs can vary depending on several factors, including the age of the child, the type of care needed, and the location of the Child Care provider.

To help you plan your budget, we’ll cover:

• Cost of Child Care by age, type, and city
• How to get grants and subsidies to make it cheaper
• The impacts of high Child Care costs on families

Average Cost of Child Care in Massachusetts By Age & Type

Age Group	Average Cost of Child Care Center (Monthly / Annually)	Average Cost of Family Child Care Home (Monthly / Annually)
Infant	$2,195 / $26,343	$1,459 / $17,510
Toddler	$2,026 / $24,314	$1,459 / $17,511
4-Year-Old	$1,722 / $20,669	$1,255 / $15,056
School-Age (Before/After School)	$1,495 / $17,944	$632 / $7,583

With a median income of around $172,104 for a family of four in Massachusetts, infant care can represent over 15% of household earnings. That’s over double the federal threshold for affordable Child Care (7% of income).

By the way — wondering what the difference between center and family-based Child Care is?

• Center-based Child Care is provided in a licensed facility, such as a daycare center or preschool. Pros include structured educational programs and a larger number of children for socialization. Cons include potentially higher costs and less flexibility in scheduling.
• Family-based Child Care is provided in a home setting by a licensed provider. Pros include smaller group sizes and lower costs. Cons include less structured programs and limited availability for the provider’s own personal time off or sick days.

Understanding the Cost of Child Care in Massachusetts

The high cost of Child Care in Massachusetts can be attributed to several factors. One of the main reasons is the high cost of living in the state. Housing costs, along with other essential expenses like food and transportation, remain remarkably high. Child Care providers have to charge high rates in order to cover their own costs and make a living wage.

Another factor is the high quality of Child Care in Massachusetts. The state has strict regulations for Child Care providers, meaning that providers must spend more money on staff, facilities, and other resources to meet those standards. While this is a good thing for children and families, it does mean that Child Care providers have to charge higher rates to pay for the higher development cost.

If you’re a parent in Massachusetts, it’s important to understand the cost of Child Care and plan accordingly. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• The cost of Child Care varies depending on your child’s age, the type of care you need, and the provider’s location. Research different providers in your area to find the best fit for your family.
• Many families in Massachusetts qualify for financial assistance for Child Care. You can find more information about these programs on the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care website.
• Budgeting for Child Care expenses is crucial when planning your family’s finances. Make sure you factor in the cost of Child Care when deciding how much you can afford to spend on housing, transportation, and other expenses.

By understanding the factors contributing to Child Care costs in Massachusetts and planning accordingly, you can ensure that your family gets high-quality care without breaking the bank.

Factors Influencing Child Care Costs in 2026

Economic Changes

• Various economic factors influence the cost of Child Care in Massachusetts. The state’s economy has been growing steadily, leading to increased demand for Child Care services. As more parents join the workforce, the demand for Child Care services increases.
• Consequently, this has led to an increase in the cost of Child Care services. Economic growth has also increased the cost of living, further boosting the cost of Child Care services.

Government Policies

• Government policies play a significant role in determining the cost of Child Care services. In Massachusetts, government policies have been put in place to ensure that Child Care services are of high quality. However, these policies have also grown the cost of Child Care services.
• For example, the state has set minimum requirements for childcare providers, which has led to an increase in the cost of training and certification. Additionally, the state has set standards for Child Care facilities, leading to growth in the cost of building and maintaining these facilities.

Inflation Rate

• The inflation rate is another factor that influences the cost of Child Care services. Inflation refers to the increase in the cost of goods and services over time. As the cost of living increases, the cost of providing Child Care services also increases.
• Inflation affects the cost of labor, supplies, and equipment, which are all necessary for providing Child Care services. Although the Massachusetts inflation rate has been relatively stable in recent years, any increase in the rate can increase the cost of Child Care services.

Implications of High Child Care Costs

Child Care costs in Massachusetts are the highest in the nation, behind Washington D.C., which has significant implications for families and the state. Here are some of the key impacts this has on families and the state as a whole:

Financial Burden on Families

High Child Care costs are a significant financial burden on families, particularly those with low or moderate incomes. Costs for a family with an infant and a four-year-old in Massachusetts can reach over $40,000 per year, which is more than the average cost of in-state tuition at a public four-year college. This can make it difficult for families to make ends meet, save for the future, or invest in their children’s education.

Workforce Participation

High Childcare costs can also affect workforce participation, particularly for women. According to a report by the National Women’s Law Center, the high cost of Childcare can make it difficult for women to work full-time or pursue higher-paying jobs, which can have a long-term impact on their earning potential and career advancement.

Child Development

Access to high-quality Child Care is important for children’s development and school readiness. However, high Child Care costs can make it difficult for families to afford the quality care their children need. This can have long-term implications for children’s academic and social-emotional development.

State Economy

Finally, high Child Care costs can have implications for the state economy. According to a report by the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, a lack of affordable Child Care can result in lost productivity and earnings for families, as well as increased reliance on public assistance programs. This can harm the state’s economy as a whole.

Massachusetts Child Care Cost Per City

Boston Child Care Costs

• Monthly income – The median household income is about $8,112 per month
• Rent (1BR) – Typical 1‑bedroom rent is $2,850/month
• Child care cost comes out to $2,887/month, infant care cost is $3,107/month
• Rent vs. child care – Child care costs 1% more than rent
• Income vs. child care – Child care consumes 36% of median monthly income

Cambridge Child Care Costs

• Monthly income – The median household income is about $10,896 per month
• Rent (1BR) – Typical 1‑bedroom rent is $3,000/month
• Child care cost comes out to $3,039/month, infant care cost is $3,123/month
• Rent vs. child care – Child care costs 1% more than rent
• Income vs. child care – Child care consumes 28% of median monthly income

Worcester Child Care Costs

• Monthly income – The median household income is about $5,842 per month
• Rent (1BR) – Typical 1‑bedroom rent is $1,700/month
• Child care cost comes out to $2,757/month, infant care cost is $2,930/month
• Rent vs. child care – Child care costs 62% more than rent
• Income vs. child care – Child care consumes 47% of median monthly income

Springfield Child Care Costs

• Monthly income – The median household income is about $4,388 per month
• Rent (1BR) – Typical 1‑bedroom rent is $1,275/month
• Child care cost comes out to $2,496/month, infant care cost is $2,610/month
• Rent vs. child care – Child care costs 96% more than rent
• Income vs. child care – Child care consumes 57% of median monthly income

Lowell Child Care Costs

• Monthly income – The median household income is about $6,555 per month
• Rent (1BR) – Typical 1‑bedroom rent is $1,897/month
• Child care cost comes out to $2,994/month, infant care cost is $3,158/month
• Rent vs. child care – Child care costs 58% more than rent
• Income vs. child care – Child care consumes 46% of median monthly income

Financial Assistance for Massachusetts Child Care

Here are four key financial assistance programs for Massachusetts families seeking affordable childcare:

Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA)

Massachusetts’ main child care subsidy program is run by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). It helps eligible families pay for licensed child care through vouchers or contracted slots.

• Eligibility (Income/Age/Location):
  • Must live in Massachusetts and have an approved activity (work, job search, school, or training).
  • Income: Initial eligibility is generally tied to federal poverty guidelines (around 200% of FPL for many income-eligible families, though priority groups may qualify regardless of income).
  • Priority groups include families involved with DCF, DTA/TANF recipients, homeless families, teen parents, and certain early-education workers.
  • Families remain eligible during a 12-month authorization period as long as income stays under program limits.
• Amount/Benefit:
  • Families under the “no parent fee” threshold pay $0.
  • Other eligible families typically pay a parent fee of ~7% of gross income, with the state covering the remainder up to the provider reimbursement rate.
  • Example often cited in EEC schedules: a family of 4 below roughly $6,500–$6,600/month gross income may qualify for a $0 parent fee (exact thresholds are updated annually).
• How/Where to Apply:
  • Apply through your local Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency or via the EEC online waitlist portal.
  • Families can call Mass 211 to be routed to the correct agency.

Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI)

The Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI) is a competitive grant program administered by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care that funds partnerships between school districts and community-based providers to expand high-quality preschool.

• Eligibility (Income/Age/Location):
  • Grants are awarded to school districts (often those serving high percentages of low-income children).
  • Children must be 3 or 4 years old and live in a participating district.
  • Districts typically prioritize children from low-income families or with additional risk factors.
• Amount/Benefit:
  • Funds support full-day or half-day preschool slots, inclusion supports for children with disabilities, mental health consultation, and professional development.
  • In many participating districts, families pay little or no tuition, depending on the funding structure.
• How/Where to Apply:
  • Districts apply during EEC funding cycles.
  • Families enroll through their local school district preschool lottery/registration process.

Early Childhood Educators Scholarship

This workforce scholarship is administered by the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance under the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education. It supports early educators pursuing associate or bachelor’s degrees.

• Eligibility (Income/Age/Location):
  • Must be a Massachusetts resident for at least 1 year.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
  • Must file the FAFSA.
  • Must either work in an EEC-licensed early education program or commit to working in one after graduation.
  • Recipients sign a service obligation agreement.
• Amount/Benefit:
  • Covers tuition and mandatory fees up to:
    • $750 per credit
    • Up to $6,750 per semester at UMass or eligible private institutions.
  • Award amounts depend on institution and enrollment status.
• How/Where to Apply:
  • Apply annually through the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education scholarship portal.
  • Complete FAFSA and sign the service agreement.

Massachusetts Child & Family Tax Credit

Massachusetts created a refundable state-level credit in 2023 known as the Child & Family Tax Credit.

• Eligibility (Income/Age/Location):
  • Must be a Massachusetts resident filing a state return.
  • Available for dependents:
    • Under age 13
    • Age 65 or older
    • With a qualifying disability
  • There is no income cap, and there is no Social Security number requirement for dependents.
• Amount/Benefit:
  • $440 per qualifying dependent.
  • Fully refundable, meaning families can receive it even if they owe no state income tax.
• How/Where to Apply:
  • Claim on your Massachusetts state income tax return (Form 1).
  • The credit is calculated directly within the MA tax filing process.

Cost of Child Care in Massachusetts vs. Top 10 States

How Massachusetts Child Care Compares Against the 10 states with the highest Child Care, preschool, infant care, and day care annual costs as of 2026:

1. Washington, D.C. ($20,981)
2. Massachusetts ($20,669)
3. New Jersey ($17,503)
4. New York ($17,343)
5. Illinois ($17,238)
6. Washington ($16,908)
7. California ($16,665)
8. Rhode Island ($16,212)
9. Vermont ($15,877)
10. Nebraska ($15,738)

(Average annual costs for full-time center-based care of a 4-year-old).

Get the Child Care You Need in Massachusetts Today

Let’s recap some of the key takeaways here:

• Massachusetts ranks among the most expensive places for Child Care, second only to Washington, D.C. Families pay over $20,900 a year for infant care, with city-specific rates ranging from Boston’s $21.53/hour to Springfield’s $18.46/hour.
• Strict state regulations, high living expenses, and economic changes significantly drive up provider costs. While this fosters high-quality care, it also forces parents to budget carefully and factor in Child Care when planning their finances.
• Multiple financial assistance programs exist to help families manage these hefty expenses. Options like CCFA, C3 Grants, and the Child Care Development Block Grant help offset fees and keep quality Child Care within reach.

Despite the high cost of Child Care in Massachusetts, the state remains an incredible place to raise children — with an abundance of opportunities, top-rated education systems, and a thriving economy. However, navigating Child Care costs can be overwhelming for parents, especially those on a tight budget.

That’s why it’s crucial to use tools like TOOTRiS to research and understand the various options available when it comes to Child Care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between center-based and family-based care?

Center-based care is provided in a licensed facility, such as a daycare center or preschool. On the other hand, family-based care is typically provided by an individual caregiver in their home.

Is center-based care better than family-based care?

Center-based is generally more expensive than family-based providers, but that doesn’t always mean better for your child.  Family-based care may provide a more personalized and intimate environment for your child, while center-based care can offer a wider range of resources and activities.

Why are Child Care costs so high?

Several factors contribute to the high cost of Child Care. These include:

• Staff wages and benefits: Child Care providers need to be adequately compensated for their time and work. However, many providers earn low wages and do not receive benefits like health insurance or paid time off.
• Operating expenses: Running a Child Care facility requires rent, utilities, supplies, and other operating costs that can add up quickly.
• Low adult-to-child ratios: To ensure the safety and well-being of children, there are often regulations in place that limit the number of children per adult. This means Child Care providers may need to hire additional staff, increasing costs.
• Quality standards: High-quality Child Care programs require trained and qualified staff, which can also add to the overall cost.

Additionally, some states have quality rating systems that providers may need to meet to receive funding or subsidies.

How much of your budget should go to daycare?

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, families should aim to spend no more than 7% of their household income on Child Care expenses. This percentage can vary depending on your family’s financial situation and regional cost of living but be careful not to overspend in this area. Seek subsidies and grants that make Child Care more affordable.

Are there any programs or initiatives in place to help families with the high cost of Child Care?

Yes, there are various programs and initiatives in place to help families with the high cost of Child Care, such as:

• Child Care Subsidy: Many states offer subsidies for low-income families to help cover the cost of Child Care.
• Head Start and Early Head Start: These are federally funded programs that provide free or low-cost early education and Child Care services for eligible families.
• Tax Credits: Families can claim tax credits such as the Child and Dependent Care Credit to offset some of the costs of Child Care.
• Employer Benefits: Some employers may offer options such as Flexible Spending Accounts or Dependent Care Assistance Programs to help employees cover Child Care expenses.

 

What are the tax advantages for businesses to offer Child Care support? 

Investment in child care isn’t just a benefit for families – it’s a strategic advantage for employers and the economy. When companies support reliable, affordable care, they help reduce absenteeism, improve retention and productivity, and build a more stable, engaged workforce. At the same time, families benefit through increased income for essentials like food, education, and savings, and children gain stronger early learning experiences.

To accelerate these investments, the federal government has significantly enhanced the Employer-Provided Child Care Tax Credit (IRC Section 45F) beginning January 1, 2026. Under the updated rules, eligible businesses can claim:

• 40% of qualified child care expenses, or
• 50% for eligible small businesses,
• With annual credit caps increased to $500,000–$600,000, plus an additional 10% credit for child care resource and referral costs.

Importantly, employers no longer need to operate an on-site center – contracted care, referral services, and third-party platforms may now qualify, making child care support more accessible for businesses of all sizes.

In addition to 45F, employers can stack other tax-advantaged tools — like Dependent Care Assistance Plans (DCAPs) and Dependent Care FSAs (DCFSA) — to lower employee costs and increase overall savings. Combined, these federal incentives can significantly offset the cost of supporting employee child care while strengthening recruitment, retention, and employee well-being.

Learn more in TOOTRiS’ Executive Guide to Leveraging Child Care Tax Incentives to Maximize Workforce ROI.

Beyond federal benefits, a majority of states are now offering tax credits or incentive programs for businesses to stimulate economic growth by providing Child Care solutions to their employees. Here is a state-by-state rundown of available business tax credits, incentives, or current legislation pertaining to potential Child Care tax credits for employers – 2025 State-by-State Guide to Business Child Care Tax Credits & Incentives. 

What is the ROI of providing Child Care Benefits? 

Return on Investment (ROI) is a measure of how much profit or cost savings a company can expect to receive from an investment. In the context of Child Care Benefits, ROI refers to the financial benefits that a company can expect to receive from offering Child Care Benefits to its employees. But the financial benefits of offering Child Care Benefits can include (as also mentioned above): 

• Increased employee retention 
• Increased employee productivity 
• Reduced absenteeism 
• Reduced turnover costs 
• Improved recruitment and talent acquisition 
• Improved employee health 

In looking to calculate the ROI of a Child Care Benefit, employers must carefully evaluate the total saving from the benefit (through reduced turnover costs, health care savings, increased productivity, etc.), and the overall cost of the benefit. To learn more, see our CFO’s Guide to Child Care Benefit ROI: A Statistical Analysis 

What are the top Child Care Benefit programs employers can implement? 

There are several different types of Child Care Benefits programs that employers can offer. Each one has a different level of commitment, finances, and impact on employees. The different models of implementing Child Care Benefits include: 

• On-Site Child Care 
• Subsidized Child Care 
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (DCFSAs) 
• Referral Services 
• TOOTRiS Child Care Benefits 

To understand the benefits and challenges to each, review the section on Choosing Child Care Benefit Programs in the CFO Guide.  

Resources for Massachusetts Employers

• 45F Tax Credit: Employers looking to offer child care benefits can learn about the 45F Employer-Provided Child Care Tax Credit at 45f.org/states/massachusetts.
• Tri-Share Program: Discover how employers, employees, and the state can share child care costs through the TriShare model at trisharechildcare.com/states/massachusetts