Childcare costs in Maryland are among the highest in the nation, reflecting the state’s strong focus on quality early education and licensing standards. Costs vary based on the type of care, your child’s age, and where you live, from the D.C. suburbs to the Chesapeake Bay area. This guide breaks down what families can expect to pay and highlights resources that can make care more affordable.
Learn how to find and apply for childcare assistance in Maryland.
Below is a breakdown of the average monthly childcare cost in Maryland by type of care and age group, based on data from Child Care Aware of America and the Maryland State Department of Education.
| Age Group | Center-Based Care | Home-Based Care |
|---|---|---|
| Infant (0–12 months) | $1,350 | $1,000 |
| Toddler (1–2 years) | $1,150 | $920 |
| Preschool (3–5 years) | $1,000 | $850 |
| School Age (6–12 years, after-school) | $720 | $610 |
Maryland’s infant care costs rank among the top 10 most expensive in the U.S., largely due to high standards for staff qualifications and ratios.
Explore why daycare costs continue to rise.
In Baltimore, center-based infant care averages around $1,320 per month, while preschool programs cost about $1,050. Home-based care options can reduce costs by up to 20%.
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Families in Silver Spring—part of the D.C. metro area—see some of the state’s highest rates, with infant care averaging $1,500 and preschool care around $1,200.
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In the capital city, infant care averages $1,400 per month, while home-based programs average closer to $950.
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Frederick families can expect $1,200–$1,300 per month for center-based infant care, while preschool options average about $950.
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Rockville’s rates mirror Silver Spring’s, with infant care around $1,550 per month and preschool tuition near $1,200.
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Several factors drive childcare pricing in Maryland:
Staffing & Qualifications: The largest expense. Maryland requires staff-to-child ratios and credentials that exceed federal minimums.
Licensing & Safety: Compliance with MSDE licensing adds to administrative costs.
Facilities & Insurance: Urban centers and older buildings raise operating expenses.
Curriculum & Enrichment: Many programs include early literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning tools.
Beyond tuition, families should plan for additional expenses such as:
Enrollment and annual registration fees
Late pick-up charges
Supplies and activity fees
Meals and field trips
These can add $200–$400 annually to your total childcare budget.
Despite being one of the wealthiest states, childcare affordability remains a challenge.
Infant care averages 12–15% of a median household income, far above the federal affordability benchmark of 7%.
On average, families spend $15,000–$18,000 annually for infant care in licensed centers.
Maryland’s strong early childhood standards ensure quality, but they also contribute to higher costs statewide.
Yes. The Maryland Child Care Scholarship Program helps income-eligible families afford quality care. The program covers part or all of tuition for licensed providers, including both center-based and family daycares.
Other programs include:
Head Start and Early Head Start: Free federally funded programs promoting school readiness. Learn about Head Start programs.
Military Fee Assistance: Available to military families through Child Care Aware of America.
Employer Benefits: Some Maryland-based employers offer dependent care FSA plans or childcare partnerships.
Use Dependent Care FSAs to pay with pre-tax income.
Claim the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit on federal and Maryland state returns.
Consider in-home or nanny-share options for flexibility.
Explore part-time care or preschool-only hours for older toddlers.
The average monthly cost ranges from $850 to $1,550, depending on age, care type, and city.
Home-based and family daycares are typically the most budget-friendly, averaging $900–$1,000 per month.
Yes. The Maryland Child Care Scholarship Program helps eligible families cover costs through direct provider payments.
Some Maryland counties, such as Montgomery and Prince George’s, offer public pre-K programs for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds.
Yes. Maryland families can qualify for both state and federal childcare tax credits if they pay for care to work or study.