New Hampshire childcare costs.
Median weekly prices for full-time care across 10 New Hampshire counties, from the federal National Database of Childcare Prices. Infant care at New Hampshire centers runs about $287 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 | $287 | $1,244 | $198 |
| Toddler | $272 | $1,179 | $184 |
| Preschool | $239 | $1,036 | $184 |
| School-age | $213 | $923 | – |
Medians across New Hampshire counties with published prices, most recent study year per county (mostly 2022).
Prices by county
| County | Infant, center | Preschool, center | Infant, home-based |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belknap County | $288/wk | $239/wk | $198/wk |
| Carroll County | $276/wk | $229/wk | $190/wk |
| Cheshire County | $285/wk | $237/wk | $196/wk |
| Coos County | $269/wk | $224/wk | $186/wk |
| Grafton County | $284/wk | $236/wk | $196/wk |
| Hillsborough County | $300/wk | $249/wk | $206/wk |
| Merrimack County | $287/wk | $239/wk | $198/wk |
| Rockingham County | $308/wk | $256/wk | $212/wk |
| Strafford County | $290/wk | $241/wk | $200/wk |
| Sullivan County | $286/wk | $238/wk | $197/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: New Hampshire requires one adult for every 4 infants at licensed centers. See the full requirements by age group.
New Hampshire childcare ratiosCommon questions
How much does childcare cost in New Hampshire?
The median price for full-time infant care at New Hampshire centers is about $287 per week, roughly $1,244 per month, and preschool-age care runs about $239 per week. Prices vary a lot by county, so check your county's page for local figures.
Which New Hampshire county has the most expensive childcare?
Among counties with published prices, Rockingham County has the highest median for center-based infant care at about $308 per week, while Coos County has the lowest at about $269 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 New Hampshire, the median for infant care is about $198 per week home-based versus $287 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.