Maine childcare costs.
Median weekly prices for full-time care across 16 Maine counties, from the federal National Database of Childcare Prices. Infant care at Maine centers runs about $225 per week at the median, above the national median of $173.
Statewide medians, per child
| Age group | Center, weekly | Center, monthly | Home-based, weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant | $225 | $975 | $163 |
| Toddler | $203 | $880 | $150 |
| Preschool | $188 | $815 | $146 |
| School-age | $140 | $607 | $136 |
Medians across Maine counties with published prices, most recent study year per county (mostly 2022).
Prices by county
| County | Infant, center | Preschool, center | Infant, home-based |
|---|---|---|---|
| Androscoggin County | $224/wk | $172/wk | $163/wk |
| Aroostook County | $193/wk | $142/wk | $133/wk |
| Cumberland County | $252/wk | $261/wk | $207/wk |
| Franklin County | $175/wk | $155/wk | $170/wk |
| Hancock County | $229/wk | $194/wk | $155/wk |
| Kennebec County | $230/wk | $213/wk | $165/wk |
| Knox County | $225/wk | $193/wk | $157/wk |
| Lincoln County | $212/wk | $188/wk | $182/wk |
| Oxford County | $175/wk | $155/wk | $163/wk |
| Penobscot County | $256/wk | $188/wk | $183/wk |
| Piscataquis County | $193/wk | $142/wk | $155/wk |
| Sagadahoc County | $212/wk | $188/wk | $182/wk |
| Somerset County | $193/wk | $142/wk | $155/wk |
| Waldo County | $225/wk | $193/wk | $157/wk |
| Washington County | $229/wk | $194/wk | $155/wk |
| York County | $262/wk | $223/wk | $206/wk |
Prices are county-level weekly medians for full-time care from the federal National Database of Childcare Prices, shown for each county’s most recent study year in that year’s dollars. Some county figures are federal estimates rather than direct survey results, and actual tuition varies widely by program, schedule, and age policies. This information is a general benchmark only, not a quote or financial advice, and Seedling makes no guarantee of its accuracy or completeness. Always confirm current rates with local providers. Source: the National Database of Childcare Prices (DOL Women's Bureau). Read the full methodology.
Staffing rules drive these prices
Staff-to-child ratios are the biggest cost driver in childcare: Maine requires one adult for every 4 infants at licensed centers. See the full requirements by age group.
Maine childcare ratiosCommon questions
How much does childcare cost in Maine?
The median price for full-time infant care at Maine centers is about $225 per week, roughly $975 per month, and preschool-age care runs about $188 per week. Prices vary a lot by county, so check your county's page for local figures.
Which Maine county has the most expensive childcare?
Among counties with published prices, York County has the highest median for center-based infant care at about $262 per week, while Franklin County has the lowest at about $175 per week.
Is center-based or home-based care cheaper?
Home-based (family childcare) programs usually charge less than centers for the same age group: in Maine, the median for infant care is about $163 per week home-based versus $225 at centers. Centers typically offer larger programs and more structured staffing, which is part of the price difference.
Where do these numbers come from?
They are county-level medians for full-time care from the federal National Database of Childcare Prices (DOL Women's Bureau), shown for each county's most recent study year. They are a benchmark, not a quote: actual tuition depends on the program, schedule, and age policies, so always confirm rates with local providers.