Average daycare costs, city comparisons, subsidy eligibility, and cost-saving strategies for Maryland families.
In 2026, the average cost of child care in Maryland ranks #7 most expensive among all 50 states and D.C. Infant center-based care averages $1,482 per month ($17,784 per year), which translates to approximately $342 per week or $68 per day. Costs vary significantly by city, provider type, and child's age.
The Baltimore-Washington corridor drives Maryland's high costs. Montgomery County averages $1,750/month for infant care, while Baltimore City averages $1,300/month. Maryland's costs are closely tied to the D.C. metro economy.
Maryland's primary child care assistance program is the Maryland Child Care Scholarship Program. Families may qualify if their household income falls below 75% SMI (~$5,700/month for family of 4). Eligible families receive vouchers or direct payments to licensed child care providers, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs.
In addition to state subsidies, Maryland families can reduce child care costs through federal tax benefits. The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) allows you to claim up to 35% of $3,000 in expenses for one child ($1,050 max) or $6,000 for two or more children ($2,100 max). A Dependent Care FSA lets you set aside up to $5,000 pre-tax annually. Combined, these can offset $3,000-$7,000 in annual child care costs.
State Ranking: #7 most expensive in the U.S.
Annual Infant Care Cost: $17,784
Weekly Infant Care Cost: $342
Daily Infant Care Cost: $68
Subsidy Program: Maryland Child Care Scholarship Program
Income Limit: 75% SMI (~$5,700/month for family of 4)
Did You Know? Maryland expanded its Child Care Scholarship income eligibility in 2026 and now covers families earning up to 75% of State Median Income, making it one of the more accessible subsidy programs on the East Coast.
Child care costs in Maryland vary by location. Here are the major cities where families search for child care: Baltimore, Columbia, Germantown, Silver Spring, Waldorf, Frederick, Ellicott City, Glen Burnie, Bethesda, Rockville.
Our data covers child care providers across Maryland's major counties: Montgomery County, Prince George's County, Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Frederick County, Harford County, Carroll County, Charles County, Baltimore City.
The average weekly cost of infant daycare in Maryland is approximately $342 per week for full-time, center-based care. Toddler care averages about $291 per week, and school-age care averages $240 per week. Part-time care (3 days/week) typically costs 60-70% of the full-time rate.
The Baltimore-Washington corridor drives Maryland's high costs. Montgomery County averages $1,750/month for infant care, while Baltimore City averages $1,300/month. Maryland's costs are closely tied to the D.C. metro economy. Use our cost calculator to get a personalized estimate based on your specific location and child's age.
You may qualify for the Maryland Child Care Scholarship Program if your household income is below 75% SMI (~$5,700/month for family of 4). Eligibility also depends on employment status, child's age, and citizenship/residency. Use our subsidy eligibility calculator to check your qualification instantly.
Licensed family child care homes are typically the most affordable option, costing 15-30% less than center-based care. In Maryland, this means approximately $1,112-$1,260/month for infant care at a family home vs. $1,482/month at a center. Nanny-shares (splitting a nanny with another family) can also reduce costs by 25-40%.
Maryland's average infant care cost of $1,482/month is above the national average of approximately $1,000/month. Maryland ranks #7 out of 51 (50 states + D.C.) for child care costs, making it one of the more expensive states for child care.
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