Childcare Costs in Portland, ME

Population 68,200 | 38.1% above Maine average

$14,780

Infant/yr

$1,232/mo

$12,770

Toddler/yr

$1,064/mo

$11,420

Preschool/yr

$952/mo

Portland vs State & National Averages

Care Type	Portland	ME Avg	National Avg
Infant (Center)	$14,780	$13,200	$13,032
Toddler (Center)	$12,770	$11,400	$11,275
Preschool (Center)	$11,420	$10,200	$10,153

Monthly Cost Breakdown

Infant (Center)$1,232/mo

Toddler (Center)$1,064/mo

Preschool (Center)$952/mo

Maine Childcare Overview

State Cost Rank: #21 of 51

Quality System: Quality for ME

Median Income: $68,251

Subsidies: Available

View all Mainechildcare 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 Portland, ME?

In Portland, ME, infant center-based daycare costs about $14,780/year ($1,232/month). Toddler care averages $12,770/year and preschool is $11,420/year.

Is childcare in Portland more expensive than the Maine average?

Childcare in Portland is 38.1% above the Maine state average. The average annual center-based cost in Portland is approximately $12,990.

What is the most affordable childcare option in Portland?

Preschool programs are typically the most affordable center-based option in Portland at $11,420/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 Maine?

Maine offers childcare subsidies through the CCDF program. The state's "Quality for ME" 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 Portland 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

Portland

ME Avg

National Avg

Infant (Center)

$14,780

$13,200

$13,032

Toddler (Center)

$12,770

$11,400

$11,275

Preschool (Center)