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County childcare costs · DOL NDCP 2022

Childcare costs in Suffolk County, MA

Affordability desert

$30,680 a year for center-based infant care — 35.0% of the local median income, against a national average of $9,592.

All Massachusetts counties Rankings Methodology

Center-based infant care in Suffolk County, MA costs $30,680/year, while family childcare is $16,640/year, according to the U.S. Department of Labor National Database of Childcare Prices. This represents 35.0% of the median household income — exceeding the HHS 7% affordability threshold. Toddler care at a center costs $25,639/year, and preschool-age care is $18,200/year. This page shows all available care types, age groups, affordability analysis, and year-over-year cost trends for Suffolk County, MA, MA.

Suffolk County vs. the nation

At $30,680 a year for center-based infant care, Suffolk County, MA is 220% above the national average of $9,592 — cheaper than 0% of the 2,662 U.S. counties we track, and that bill eats 35.0% of the local median income against the 7% the federal government calls affordable.

Infant care (center)
$30,680/yr
Vs. national avg
+220%
National rank
#2,661 cheapest of 2,662
Share of income
35.0%

Source: DOL National Database of Childcare Prices (2022). Median income: U.S. Census ACS 5-year.

$30,680
Center Infant/yr
$16,640
Family Infant/yr
$87,669
Median Income
35.0%
% of Income (Infant)

Annual Childcare Costs by Age Group

Age Group Center-Based Family Childcare
Infant $30,680 $16,640
Toddler $25,639 $14,560
Preschool $18,200 $13,000
School Age $11,645 $13,000

Cost Comparison (Center-Based)

Infant $30,680
Toddler $25,639
Preschool $18,200
School Age $11,645

Where Suffolk County ranks on infant-care cost

Center-based infant care — every U.S. county with reported prices

$30,680 Among the most affordable more affordable than 0% of 2,662 US counties

$2,500–$5,000: 87 US counties (3%). Below this entry. $5,000–$7,500: 794 US counties (30%). Below this entry. $7,500–$10,000: 780 US counties (29%). Below this entry. $10,000–$12,500: 602 US counties (23%). Below this entry. $12,500–$15,000: 158 US counties (6%). Below this entry. $15,000–$17,500: 133 US counties (5%). Below this entry. $17,500–$20,000: 55 US counties (2%). Below this entry. $20,000–$22,500: 34 US counties (1%). Below this entry. $22,500–$25,000: 9 US counties (0%). Below this entry. $25,000–$27,500: 4 US counties (0%). Below this entry. $27,500–$30,000: 4 US counties (0%). Below this entry. $30,000–$32,500: 2 US counties (0%). This entry sits in this band. This county $2,500 $32,500 every U.S. county, bucketed by value

Each bar is a $2.5K-wide band; taller bars hold more US counties. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count, share, and where it sits relative to this entry.

Source U.S. Department of Labor — National Database of Childcare Prices · 2022

What These Numbers Mean for Suffolk County Families

Center-based infant care in Suffolk County, MA averages $30,680/year, while family childcare homes charge $16,640/year for the same age group. The gap between the two settings — $14,040 annually for infants — reflects different licensing tracks in MA: centers operate under commercial child care licensing with staff-to-child ratios typically capped at 1:4 for infants and 1:10 for preschoolers, while family child care homes follow small-home rules allowing up to six children with one provider. Preschool-age coverage runs $18,200/year at centers versus $13,000/year in family settings, and school-age wrap-around care averages $11,645/year. These are annualized full-time rates from the NDCP market-rate survey — actual quoted prices swing with QRIS quality tier, accreditation (NAEYC, NAFCC), and whether the provider accepts CCDF subsidy vouchers.

Household affordability in Suffolk County tracks against a median income of $87,669, putting infant center care at 35.0% of gross income. The HHS benchmark is 7%, meaning the typical family here exceeds the federal affordability line by 28.0 points. At over 20% of income, Suffolk County qualifies as an affordability desert — counties where childcare competes with housing and healthcare for household budget share. Providers in this cost band typically require two months of tuition as deposit plus non-refundable registration fees of $75-$250.

Finding a licensed provider in Suffolk County starts with the MA Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency — these nonprofits maintain searchable databases of licensed centers and family homes, note open slots, and handle CCDF subsidy intake. Ask any provider for their current inspection report (publicly available through the state licensing portal), their staff turnover rate, and whether they participate in the state's QRIS quality rating system. For families earning under $74,519, the CCDF subsidy caps parent copayments at a sliding-scale percentage of income. Head Start slots (free for families under 100% federal poverty line) and state-funded pre-K programs fill the preschool tier at zero out-of-pocket cost where available. This 2022 data provides the baseline — always verify current MA licensing status and tuition directly with the provider before enrollment.

Affordability Context

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services considers childcare affordable when it costs no more than 7% of a family's income.

Center infant cost: $30,680
Median household income: $87,669
Cost as % of income: 35.0%
7% affordability threshold: $6,137/year

Historical Price Trends (2008–2022)

Center-based infant care costs over 2008–2022 (15 years of NDCP data).

+81.5% since 2008
Infant center care: $16,900 → $30,680
$30,680/yr
Most recent annual cost (2022)
15 years
Data available (2008–2022)
2008
$16,900
2009
$16,900
2010
$16,900
2011
$16,900
2012
$17,355
2013
$17,810
2014
$18,265
2015
$18,720
2016
$19,413
2017
$20,107
2018
$20,800
2019
$23,270
2020
$25,740
2021
$28,210
2022
$30,680
View full data table (all care types) ▼
Year Ctr Infant
2008 $16,900
2009 $16,900
2010 $16,900
2011 $16,900
2012 $17,355
2013 $17,810
2014 $18,265
2015 $18,720
2016 $19,413
2017 $20,107
2018 $20,800
2019 $23,270
2020 $25,740
2021 $28,210
2022 $30,680

What this means for Suffolk County families

Infant center care here takes 35.0% of the typical household income — above the HHS 7% affordability line.

  • At 35.0% of income, infant care exceeds the federal 7% affordability benchmark. Check whether your family qualifies for a CCDF subsidy, which can cap copayments at a sliding share of income. Check subsidy eligibility
  • Family childcare homes run $16,640/year for infants — about $14,040 less than a center. Weigh the trade-offs of each setting. Center vs. home care
  • See how Suffolk County compares against the cheapest counties in Massachusetts. Cheapest in Massachusetts

NDCP figures are county-level survey medians for 2022 — confirm current tuition and openings directly with providers and your state CCR&R agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does childcare cost in Suffolk County, MA? ▼
In Suffolk County, MA, center-based infant care costs $30,680/year. Family childcare for infants is $16,640/year. Preschool center-based care costs $18,200/year.
Is childcare affordable in Suffolk County, MA? ▼
Center-based infant care in Suffolk County, MA costs 35.0% of the median household income ($87,669). The HHS affordability threshold is 7%. Childcare here exceeds the affordability threshold by 28.0 percentage points.
Are childcare costs rising in Suffolk County, MA? ▼
From 2022 to 2008, center-based infant care in Suffolk County, MA changed from $30,680 to $16,900 (-44.9%).
What age groups does childcare cost data cover in Suffolk County, MA? ▼
Data covers four age groups: Infant (0-1), Toddler (1-2), Preschool (3-5), and School Age (6-12). Both center-based and family childcare costs are tracked separately for each age group.
What is the HHS childcare affordability standard? ▼
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines childcare as affordable when it costs no more than 7% of a family's household income. Counties where infant care exceeds 20% of median income are classified as "affordability deserts."
Where does the childcare cost data come from? ▼
All data comes from the National Database of Childcare Prices (NDCP), maintained by the U.S. Department of Labor's Women's Bureau. It provides county-level childcare price estimates based on market rate surveys.
What is the cheapest childcare option in Suffolk County, MA? ▼
Family-based childcare is typically less expensive in Suffolk County, MA. Preschool family care costs $13,000/year compared to $18,200/year for center-based care — a difference of $5,200/year. Family childcare operates in a provider's home and usually has smaller group sizes.
How much does before- and after-school care cost in Suffolk County, MA? ▼
School-age childcare (ages 6-12) in Suffolk County, MA costs $11,645/year for center-based care and $13,000/year for family childcare. These costs cover before-school, after-school, and summer programs while parents work.

Other Counties in Massachusetts

Barnstable County, MA
Infant: $18,304 · 20.2% of income
Berkshire County, MA
Infant: $17,160 · 24.6% of income
Bristol County, MA
Infant: $18,304 · 22.7% of income
Dukes County, MA
Infant: $18,304 · 19.6% of income
Essex County, MA
Infant: $24,001 · 25.4% of income
Franklin County, MA
Infant: $17,160 · 24.4% of income

Childcare Guides

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Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit
Federal CDCTC, FSA limits, and strategies to save on childcare
 🤝
Subsidy & Assistance Programs
CCDF, Head Start, and state assistance — how to apply
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Center vs Home Childcare
Compare daycare centers, family home care, and nannies
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Employer Childcare Benefits
FSAs, on-site care, backup programs, and negotiation tips

Explore childcare costs across Massachusetts

All Massachusetts counties
Every priced county in Massachusetts, with averages and the statewide affordability picture.
Cheapest childcare in Massachusetts
The most affordable counties in Massachusetts ranked by annual center-based cost.
Most expensive in Massachusetts
Where Massachusetts childcare costs the most, and how far above the state average it runs.
Affordability deserts in Massachusetts
Counties where childcare exceeds 20% of median household income.
National rankings
Compare Suffolk County against the cheapest and costliest counties nationwide.
Affordability calculator
See what childcare costs as a share of your own household income.

Data Sources & Methodology

Data as of 2023. Source: U.S. Department of Labor, National Database of Childcare Prices (NDCP).

Childcare cost data from the U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau — National Database of Childcare Prices (NDCP). Costs are annual estimates based on weekly median prices at the county level.

Affordability is measured against the HHS benchmark of 7% of household income. Median household income data from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey.

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Disclaimer: This information is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Data is sourced from the National Database of Childcare Prices (DOL Women's Bureau). Consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on this data.

Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.

Verify with DOL Women's Bureau NDCP →  ·  Verify with U.S. Census ACS →  ·  Verify with HUD →