Maryland childcare costs.
Median weekly prices for full-time care across 24 Maryland counties, from the federal National Database of Childcare Prices. Infant care at Maryland centers runs about $254 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 | $254 | $1,101 | $177 |
| Toddler | $175 | $758 | $156 |
| Preschool | $175 | $758 | $156 |
| School-age | $163 | $706 | $129 |
Medians across Maryland counties with published prices, most recent study year per county (mostly 2022).
Prices by county
| County | Infant, center | Preschool, center | Infant, home-based |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allegany County | $238/wk | $161/wk | $149/wk |
| Anne Arundel County | $327/wk | $231/wk | $241/wk |
| Baltimore City | $250/wk | $216/wk | $180/wk |
| Baltimore County | $345/wk | $256/wk | $229/wk |
| Calvert County | $323/wk | $228/wk | $239/wk |
| Caroline County | $217/wk | $157/wk | $157/wk |
| Carroll County | $323/wk | $228/wk | $239/wk |
| Cecil County | $254/wk | $175/wk | $177/wk |
| Charles County | $323/wk | $228/wk | $239/wk |
| Dorchester County | $209/wk | $151/wk | $156/wk |
| Frederick County | $325/wk | $243/wk | $222/wk |
| Garrett County | $247/wk | $167/wk | $150/wk |
| Harford County | $325/wk | $243/wk | $222/wk |
| Howard County | $414/wk | $336/wk | $288/wk |
| Kent County | $217/wk | $157/wk | $157/wk |
| Montgomery County | $414/wk | $336/wk | $288/wk |
| Prince George's County | $327/wk | $231/wk | $241/wk |
| Queen Anne's County | $254/wk | $175/wk | $177/wk |
| Somerset County | $209/wk | $151/wk | $156/wk |
| St. Mary's County | $254/wk | $175/wk | $177/wk |
| Talbot County | $254/wk | $175/wk | $177/wk |
| Washington County | $254/wk | $175/wk | $177/wk |
| Wicomico County | $209/wk | $151/wk | $156/wk |
| Worcester County | $238/wk | $161/wk | $149/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: Maryland requires one adult for every 3 infants at licensed centers. See the full requirements by age group.
Maryland childcare ratiosCommon questions
How much does childcare cost in Maryland?
The median price for full-time infant care at Maryland centers is about $254 per week, roughly $1,101 per month, and preschool-age care runs about $175 per week. Prices vary a lot by county, so check your county's page for local figures.
Which Maryland county has the most expensive childcare?
Among counties with published prices, Howard County has the highest median for center-based infant care at about $414 per week, while Dorchester County has the lowest at about $209 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 Maryland, the median for infant care is about $177 per week home-based versus $254 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.