Local cost authority
What it really costs to raise a child in Boston, MA
Families comparing Boston, MA with other U.S. metros often underestimate how sharply stage-based childcare, the family housing jump, and healthcare stack over nearly two decades. Our MA baseline puts infant months near $3,790, toddlers near $3,280, and school-age near $2,198 before personalized Premium forecasts.
Childcare sets the pace early
Infant childcare alone averages about $2,620/mo in Boston, MA, with diapers and formula adding roughly $297. By school age, care often settles near $1,220/mo ($14,640/yr) as after-school replaces full-day daycare.
Housing premium is a quiet budget leak
Moving from a typical 1–2 bedroom ($2,750/mo) into a 3+ bedroom family home ($4,100/mo, rent) creates about $1,350 in monthly housing differential — compounding across an 18-year horizon even when sticker rents look “stable.”
Food, supplies, and healthcare
Plan on roughly $450/mo in child food spend and about $92/mo for infant diapers and wipes. Employer family health contributions average near $680/mo (regional index 1.22), with about $125 per child in routine out-of-pocket care.
How to use this page
Start with the cost-by-age tabs for a transparent stage snapshot. Then use the Family Cost Console to model ages and lifestyle. An active Premium subscription unlocks the full 18-year inflation-aware forecast.
Data vintage 2026-01-15. Figures are illustrative planning baselines, not quotes from a specific daycare, insurer, or landlord. Always verify local rates before making financial decisions.