Massachusetts childcare costs.
Median weekly prices for full-time care across 14 Massachusetts counties, from the federal National Database of Childcare Prices. Infant care at Massachusetts centers runs about $352 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 | $352 | $1,525 | $263 |
| Toddler | $320 | $1,387 | $249 |
| Preschool | $270 | $1,170 | $243 |
| School-age | $210 | $910 | $238 |
Medians across Massachusetts counties with published prices, most recent study year per county (mostly 2022).
Prices by county
| County | Infant, center | Preschool, center | Infant, home-based |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barnstable County | $352/wk | $270/wk | $275/wk |
| Berkshire County | $330/wk | $230/wk | $225/wk |
| Bristol County | $352/wk | $270/wk | $275/wk |
| Dukes County | $352/wk | $270/wk | $275/wk |
| Essex County | $462/wk | $310/wk | $250/wk |
| Franklin County | $330/wk | $230/wk | $225/wk |
| Hampden County | $330/wk | $230/wk | $225/wk |
| Hampshire County | $330/wk | $230/wk | $225/wk |
| Middlesex County | $462/wk | $310/wk | $250/wk |
| Nantucket County | $352/wk | $270/wk | $275/wk |
| Norfolk County | $555/wk | $420/wk | $370/wk |
| Plymouth County | $352/wk | $270/wk | $275/wk |
| Suffolk County | $590/wk | $350/wk | $320/wk |
| Worcester County | $390/wk | $285/wk | $250/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: Massachusetts requires one adult for every 3 infants at licensed centers. See the full requirements by age group.
Massachusetts childcare ratiosCommon questions
How much does childcare cost in Massachusetts?
The median price for full-time infant care at Massachusetts centers is about $352 per week, roughly $1,525 per month, and preschool-age care runs about $270 per week. Prices vary a lot by county, so check your county's page for local figures.
Which Massachusetts county has the most expensive childcare?
Among counties with published prices, Suffolk County has the highest median for center-based infant care at about $590 per week, while Berkshire County has the lowest at about $330 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 Massachusetts, the median for infant care is about $263 per week home-based versus $352 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.