Avg. annual cost of child care: $16,500

Cost as a % of median income: 16%

Massachusetts is a pricey state where salaries and housing costs are high. It's no wonder residents have to shell out big bucks to keep their kids in day care here.

Child care workers are paid more in Massachusetts than elsewhere in the country. Since payroll accounts for about 80% of a program's expense, that drives up the price of care, said Dave McGrath, deputy commissioner of field operations for the state's Department of Early Education and Care.

Another factor: There can be no more than three kids per teacher and no more than seven in a class. Plus, child-care providers are required to spend 20 hours a year on professional development. That's great for kids, but it comes at a price.

"Regulations in Massachusetts are recognized as national standards and there is a cost to that," McGrath said.



NEXT: New York

