Massachusetts
Massachusetts branded as most expensive state for child care costs, survey shows
From diapers and formula, to daycare and new clothing, it’s no surprise that the financial costs associated with caring for a child in their first years of life can come at a pretty penny — especially in Massachusetts.
While over half of Americans underestimate their state’s average cost to care for a child in their first year, Massachusetts leads the pack as the most expensive, with average annual day care alone costing $24,472 a year, according to a survey published by CardRates.com.
The survey asked 2,100 participants nationwide to estimate five child care expenses including day care, diapers, formula, food and new clothing. It found that Americans nationwide underestimate the annual costs associated with caring for a child in their first year.
- Read more: Have thoughts on child care? The state’s Child Care Task Force wants to hear ‘em
For day care costs, Bay Staters estimated an expense of $12,738 annually — reflecting a $11,734 difference from what actual costs are according to CardRates.com.
“Therefore, the annual cost of day care is 63% higher in Massachusetts than residents expect,” the release states.
Trailing behind Massachusetts is Washington, D.C, at $24,417, New York at $21,826, Hawaii at $20,647, and Colorado at $19,573.
Participants from New York underestimated day care costs by $8,368, while Washington, D.C participants underestimated by $8,217, and Hawaii underestimated by $7,488.
- Read more: Mass. Senate Dems plan vote on bill expanding access to early ed., childcare
Massachusetts ranking as the most expensive in the nation for child care may be less of a surprise to some than others.
Though Massachusetts respondents underestimated day care costs by over $10,00, organizations such as the U.S News & World Reports, reported Massachusetts as the most expensive state for day care costs as early as 2017 — reporting an annual average cost of $17,000 even at that time.
While the Bay State is the most expensive for day care costs and shows the greatest discrepancy between residents expected costs versus reality, the study shows all states underestimated the actual costs of a baby’s first year overall, being 37% more expensive than anticipated.
Respondents underestimated costs of day care, formula and food, while overestimating costs of diapers and clothes.
For day care, the average cost is $13,266 per year whereas the average estimate was $12,055, showing a $1,211 difference, CardRates.com reported.
For formula, the average estimate was $2,287 though the actual annual, average cost is $4,800 — a $2,513 increase from what respondents expected.
- Read more: Free YMCA memberships available for Boston teens this summer
Overall, the survey showed child care costs are nationally underestimated by $6,934. The national average for caring for a child in their first year is $22,111 according to CardRates.com.
Data used in determining national averages was pulled from organizations such as Child Care Aware of America, BabyCenter, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Gerber Childrens wear, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Respondents from Massachusetts and New Hampshire were closest in their total annual cost estimations, differing less than $3,000, according to CardRates.com.
Feeling down on your luck as you returned to work on a beautiful summery day after a miserable Memorial Day Weekend?
It could be time to chance your luck to win big.
Wednesday’s drawing will be the third-largest ever in Megabucks history, at an estimated $18.85 million, the game’s largest jackpot since 1986.
But a word of caution: A Megabucks ticket has not hit a jackpot in over a year. The last winning came on April 21, 2025, with a $1.97 million jackpot on a ticket sold in Hyde Park.
“The game was redesigned in 2023 to bring more value to players,” the Massachusetts State Lottery said Tuesday, “including better odds of winning, higher average jackpots, bigger payouts for all non-jackpot prizes, as well as the addition of a third weekly drawing.”
“In conjunction with these changes, the game returned to its original name, Megabucks,” the lottery added. “The game first launched in 1982.”
The cash option for Wednesday’s drawing is a nifty $12.62 million.
Before the game returned to its original name, a ticket sold in Ware on Sept. 10, 2022, hit on a $16.35 million jackpot, the largest winnings on a single ticket in Megabucks history.
Those looking to score big can purchase Megabucks tickets for $2 each at over 7,500 authorized Massachusetts State Lottery retailers – convenience stores, gas stations, and supermarkets across the Bay State.
Tickets can be bought until 9 p.m. Drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
MELROSE, MA — Two people have been transported to the hospital in the aftermath of a house fire early Tuesday morning, according to the Melrose Fire Department.
Crews responded to the scene on 65 Heywood Ave. at approximately 2:25 a.m. to find heavy smoke and flames emanating from the single-floor, single family residence. According to Fire Chief John White, the two residents were awoken by alarms in their home and have been hospitalized for smoke inhalation treatment. No other injuries have been reported.
The nine firefighters who responded to the two-alarm blaze had the flames knocked down by 4:40 a.m. The Saugus, Wakefield, Stoneham, and Malden Fire Departments provided mutual aid assistance on scene. The cause of the fire is now being investigated by Melrose Fire Prevention as well as the state fire marshal’s office.
Massachusetts paused Monday to mark Memorial Day.
Somber remembrances and celebrations of servicemembers took place across the Bay State.
“Our great nation is made possible by their sacrifice,” said Gov. Maura Healey.
From the Tewksbury Memorial Day Parade to the Puerto Rican Veterans’ Memorial in Boston, Massachusetts paid tribute to those that made the ultimate sacrifice.
“I hear the stories of our residents who have served. Their names are on our heroes’ squares, they’re also etched in our hearts,” said Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.
A solemn tribute was made Friday to Massachusetts servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“All that we cherish, all that we hold dear,” said Healey. “Our freedoms, our rights, our property, our dreams, they gave their lives for it.”
Congressman Seth Moulton, a Marine Corps veteran, shared who he thinks about when Memorial Day comes around.
“There’s not just one, unfortunately. There’s a number that I served with that didn’t come home, and there are others who have died from their wounds since coming back,” he said.
While reflection remains the focus, Memorial Day also serves as a reminder of the life that we get to enjoy as Americans — taking pleasure in the little things and thanking those that make it possible in the first place.
“My dad was in the military for 30 years, so it’s a great way to celebrate those that have served,” said Tewksbury resident Laura Clymer.
“Everything, that’s our freedom,” said Tewksbury resident Ellen Naughton.
“It’s why we’re here, and we can enjoy the things we have,” said Tewksbury resident Mike Chapman.
Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll also spoke at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam on Monday. The Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne held a ceremony, as well.
-
Lifestyle3 minutes agoHow Challenger Brands Are Seizing the Jewellery Opportunity
-
Politics9 minutes agoRenewed U.S. strikes put Iran talks on verge of collapse
-
Science15 minutes agoOrange County leaders say previously evacuated area is safe. Experts say risks linger
-
Sports21 minutes agoHigh school baseball: Southern Section playoff results
-
World33 minutes agoVideo. Climate expert warns of ‘possible’ hottest summer ahead
-
News1 hour agoBiden sues Justice Department to stop release of audio from interviews
-
Los Angeles, Ca3 hours agoEx-employee charged with stealing $1 million in model car collectibles from SoCal factory
-
Detroit, MI3 hours agoDarius Acuff Jr. keeps Detroit as he reaches NBA’s doorstep
