Most Expensive Childcare in Massachusetts
Ceiling price 49% above the Massachusetts infant average
Ranked by reported cost only, not a quality, safety, or licensing rating. A higher price does not imply better care; verify licensing and inspection history directly with providers or Massachusetts's Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency before choosing care.
Counties with Most Expensive Childcare
| # | County | Infant Care |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suffolk County | $30,680/yr |
| 2 | Norfolk County | $28,860/yr |
| 3 | Middlesex County | $24,001/yr |
| 4 | Essex County | $24,001/yr |
| 5 | Worcester County | $20,296/yr |
| 6 | Plymouth County | $18,304/yr |
| 7 | Nantucket County | $18,304/yr |
| 8 | Dukes County | $18,304/yr |
| 9 | Bristol County | $18,304/yr |
| 10 | Barnstable County | $18,304/yr |
| 11 | Hampshire County | $17,160/yr |
| 12 | Hampden County | $17,160/yr |
| 13 | Franklin County | $17,160/yr |
| 14 | Berkshire County | $17,160/yr |
Steep ceiling gap inside Massachusetts
Signature read: the top price sits 49% above the Massachusetts infant average — a steep in-state ceiling gap on this NDCP list. Suffolk County posts $30,680/year — 49% over the $20,571 state average — with toddler $25,639 and preschool $18,200.
Only 14 Massachusetts counties carry a usable center infant price in NDCP for this board. Ranked by reported cost only — not quality, safety, or licensing.
Methodology
High-avg state board: counties sorted by NDCP center infant cost (2022), highest first; state benchmark $20,571/year.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau National Database of Childcare Prices (NDCP) · 2022
DOL Women's Bureau NDCP · Massachusetts costliest-county board, 2022
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.