Childcare Costs in Cambridge, MA

Population 117,800 | 55.4% above Massachusetts average

$26,510

Infant/yr

$2,209/mo

$22,900

Toddler/yr

$1,908/mo

$20,280

Preschool/yr

$1,690/mo

Cambridge vs State & National Averages

Care Type	Cambridge	MA Avg	National Avg
Infant (Center)	$26,510	$21,648	$13,032
Toddler (Center)	$22,900	$18,720	$11,275
Preschool (Center)	$20,280	$16,560	$10,153

Monthly Cost Breakdown

Infant (Center)$2,209/mo

Toddler (Center)$1,908/mo

Preschool (Center)$1,690/mo

Massachusetts Childcare Overview

State Cost Rank: #2 of 51

Quality System: MA QRIS

Median Income: $96,505

Subsidies: Available

View all Massachusettschildcare data →

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ChildCarePeek Editorial TeamChildcare Data Specialists

The ChildCarePeek editorial team aggregates and verifies childcare cost data from Child Care Aware of America. Every statistic on this site is cross-referenced against official sources before publication, with quarterly re-verification cycles.

Sourced from Child Care Aware of AmericaQuarterly reviewNo paid placements

Read our full methodology or contact us with corrections.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does daycare cost in Cambridge, MA?

In Cambridge, MA, infant center-based daycare costs about $26,510/year ($2,209/month). Toddler care averages $22,900/year and preschool is $20,280/year.

Is childcare in Cambridge more expensive than the Massachusetts average?

Childcare in Cambridge is 55.4% above the Massachusetts state average. The average annual center-based cost in Cambridge is approximately $23,230.

What is the most affordable childcare option in Cambridge?

Preschool programs are typically the most affordable center-based option in Cambridge at $20,280/year. Family home daycare is usually 25-35% cheaper than center-based care. Before/after school programs are the most affordable overall for school-age children.

What childcare assistance is available in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts offers childcare subsidies through the CCDF program. The state's "MA QRIS" quality rating system helps parents find rated providers. Federal tax credits (Child and Dependent Care Credit) and Flexible Spending Accounts can also offset costs.

Where does ChildCarePeek get Cambridge childcare cost data?

All childcare cost data comes from Child Care Aware of America (2024), supplemented with local cost-of-living adjustments. Actual costs may vary by provider, quality rating, and specific care needs.

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Care Type

Cambridge

MA Avg

National Avg

Infant (Center)

$26,510

$21,648

$13,032

Toddler (Center)

$22,900

$18,720

$11,275

Preschool (Center)