Middlesex County childcare cost
Massachusetts · NDCP 2018 data · population ≈ 1,595,192
In Middlesex County, Massachusetts, median center-based infant care costs about $23,712 per year ($456/week) — roughly 24.4% of the county's median household income ($97,012), versus the 7% federal affordability benchmark (severe burden). The Massachusetts state median is $15,860; the US median is $7,987. Prices are 2018 medians from the federal National Database of Childcare Prices.
Source: U.S. DOL Women's Bureau — National Database of Childcare Prices. Data as of June 2026.
Middlesex County childcare prices by age and care type
Median weekly and annualized (×52) prices, 2018:
| Age group | Center /wk | Center /yr | Family /wk | Family /yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infant (0–23 months) | $456 | $23,712 | $300 | $15,600 |
| Toddler (24–35 months) | $419 | $21,788 | $280 | $14,560 |
| Preschool (3–5 years) | $330 | $17,160 | $260 | $13,520 |
| School-age (before/after school) | $225 | $11,700 | $225 | $11,700 |
Source: U.S. DOL Women's Bureau — National Database of Childcare Prices (2018). Data as of June 2026.
"Center" = licensed childcare center/daycare; "Family" = home-based family childcare. Annual = weekly median × 52 weeks. Estimate — verify current prices with providers.
Middlesex County vs Massachusetts and the US
| Area | Infant (center)/yr | % of income |
|---|---|---|
| Middlesex County | $23,712 | 24.4% |
| Massachusetts (state median) | $15,860 | 20.1% |
| United States | $7,987 | — |
See the full Massachusetts childcare cost page for every county and age group, or use the cost calculator for your own numbers.
Frequently asked questions
How much does daycare cost in Middlesex County?
In Middlesex County, Massachusetts, the median price of center-based infant care is about $23,712 per year ($456 per week), based on 2018 data from the federal National Database of Childcare Prices. The Massachusetts state median is $15,860. Verify current local prices with providers.
Is childcare affordable in Middlesex County?
Median center-based infant care in Middlesex County is about 24.4% of the county's median household income ($97,012). The federal affordability benchmark is 7% of income, so it is far above the 7% affordability benchmark.
Is family or center childcare cheaper in Middlesex County?
Family (home-based) infant care in Middlesex County runs about $15,600 per year versus $23,712 for a center. Family care usually costs less and offers smaller groups; centers offer more structured programs and longer hours.
What year is the Middlesex County childcare data from?
These are 2018 median prices — the latest year Middlesex County appears in the federal National Database of Childcare Prices. Prices have risen since; treat these as a baseline and confirm current rates with local providers.
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Source & accuracy
Prices: U.S. DOL Women's Bureau — National Database of Childcare Prices (2018, public domain). "% of income" uses the county's median household income (American Community Survey, via the NDCP). Annualization (×52) and shares are documented on our methodology page. These are historical medians; prices have risen since 2018. Verify current local prices with providers.
Last updated: 2026-06-20