Babies Are Expensive
Having a baby can be one of life’s greatest joys… and one of your biggest bills ever. The cost of childbirth varies wildly depending on where you live in the USA, with in-network hospital deliveries ranging from under $10,000 to over $21,000. Or if you go out-of-network or require a C-section, the total can more than double. This guide uses data from World Population Review to tell you what the cost of childbirth is like in your state.
Alaska
In freezing Alaska, giving birth doesn’t come cheap - especially without great insurance. A traditional delivery averages about $21,526 in-network, but that price jumps to around $36,477 if you're out-of-network. If a C-section is needed, expect to pay around $25,519 in-network, or a steep $46,370 out-of-network. That’s not good for lower-income families.
New York
New York is so good they named it twice – but the prices aren’t good. New York’s world famous hospitals come at a cost. Traditional births average about $19,990 in-network but nearly double out-of-network, pushing the price past $37,935. C-sections can reach $45,099 out-of-network (though a “mere” $22,354 in-network) reflecting the high cost of living in the state.
New Jersey
In New Jersey, childbirth costs can climb quickly, with traditional deliveries at around $18,688 in-network and $37,465 out-of-network. C-sections are even more expensive, hitting $25,253 in-network and $51,083 out-of-network. If you don’t have insurance, you’re in for a rough ride.
Connecticut
Connecticut is one of the most expensive states for childbirth. Traditional delivery averages around $17,387 in-network, and C-sections about $20,957. Going out-of-network can nearly double these prices. The state’s relatively small size means fewer hospital options, which can drive prices up.
Massachusetts
Expect to pay more than most states for birth in Massachusetts: even in‑network traditional deliveries average around $16,732, while C‑sections are a little more expensive at $16,918. If you don’t have insurance it’s much worse - $28,223 and $31,163 respectively - and the cost of childcare isn’t cheap in the state either.
California
California’s birth bills are sky‑high: in‑network traditional delivery costs are higher than national averages (around $16,577), while out‑of‑network C‑sections can be as much as $49,078. That’s driven by high provider salaries, malpractice insurance, and local cost of living. California’s an expensive place to exist.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire keeps costs a bit lower with traditional deliveries averaging $14,454 in-network. Out-of-network prices nearly double at $26,615, showing how important insurance networks are here. Its rural nature means fewer hospitals, which can push up costs for specialized care like C-sections, averaging $17,062 in-network and $31,611 out-of-network.
Nevada
Nevada is a great state to go and gamble – but don’t gamble with your healthcare. Traditional births cost around $14,168 in-network but can spike to almost $30,000 out-of-network. C-sections follow the same pattern, making it very important to know your insurance network. Las Vegas is particularly expensive.
Colorado
Colorado’s beautiful mountain towns offer great hospitals, but costs can add up. Traditional deliveries hover near $14,084 in-network and climb to nearly $30,156 out-of-network. C-sections aren’t cheap either, with out-of-network cost for one averaging $39,398. It’s especially bad in the remote areas.
Washington
Washington state is another expensive place when it comes to healthcare. Traditional births average $14,025 in-network but nearly double when out-of-network. C-sections follow suit, with out-of-network bills reaching around $36,964. Urban centers like Seattle have really good facilities but also higher costs, while rural areas aren’t doing so well.
Maine
Maine may be known for its peaceful coastal life, but having a baby here is anything but peaceful if you don’t have a lot of money. A traditional delivery averages $13,925 in-network and $24,772 out-of-network. Or if you end up needing a C-section, that’ll cost you $17,926 in-network or $33,189 out-of-network.
Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, you can expect a traditional birth to cost around $13,918 if you have good insurance. If it’s a C‑section, that number jumps to roughly $16,918, due to the surgical work and longer hospital stay. Always make sure you’re up to date with insurance, because those procedures will cost $29,295 and $39,538 otherwise.
Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, the average in-network cost for a traditional birth is $13,542, while going out-of-network pushes it to $25,988. As for C-sections, they cost $17,920 in-network and $35,667 if you’re out-of-network. Hospitals are very good in metro areas like Philly and Pittsburgh, but that means they’re expensive.
Oregon
Oregon is generally considered a good place to live – it’s fun and quirky – but the state’s birth costs are unfortunately pretty high. In‑network traditional deliveries often cost around $9,471, with C‑sections costing a lot more at $17,174. But out-of-network, they cost $26,680 and $36,411, enough to break the bank for some people.
Vermont
Vermont’s rural setting and fewer hospital choices mean your options can be limited, especially if you're not within your insurance plan’s preferred provider list. The average in-network traditional delivery costs $13,325, while out-of-network bumps it to $23,251. C-sections are even more expensive, costing $16,895 with insurance and $32,659 without it.
Nebraska
Nebraska’s average in-network cost for a traditional birth is $13,279, while stepping outside your network jumps it to $26,058. A C-section averages $16,173 in-network and $35,992 out-of-network. Nebraska’s wide rural areas and fewer hospital options can drive up costs, especially if your preferred doctor or facility isn’t in your insurance network.
Wyoming
In Wyoming, a traditional delivery costs $13,048 in-network and $24,319 out-of-network. As for a C-section, that could be needed to save your life? That’ll be $15,499 in-network, or a whopping $32,238 if you're outside your plan. Unfortunately, healthcare access in this largely rural state can be a mixed bag.
South Dakota
Delivering a baby in South Dakota will put you back $13,010 in-network for a traditional birth, or $24,927 if you're out-of-network. A C-section bumps the cost to $16,037 in-network and $34,312 out-of-network. While the state has a few well-equipped hospitals, families in smaller towns often end up paying more due to limited coverage options.
Utah
Utah’s large Mormon families and growing population keep maternity services in high demand, so staying in-network is crucial to avoid those overly expensive hospital bills. Utah’s in-network cost for a traditional delivery is $12,795, and it jumps to the achingly high price of $25,784 out-of-network. C-sections cost more - $15,378 if you’re in-network and a bill of $34,637 if you’re not.
Kansas
In Kansas, a traditional delivery costs $12,626 in-network with $15,217 for a C-section. This jumps to $26,794 and $37,906 for those same procedures out-of-network - one of the steeper differences around. Rural areas and fewer in-network hospitals unfortunately mean limited choice, and people have most definitely chosen to leave Kansas because of this.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island is a small state with big prices. Rhode Island’s average in-network cost for a traditional birth is $12,604, but being out-of-network bumps it to $23,969. For a C-section, you’ll pay $14,793 in-network or $28,927 out-of-network.
Florida
If you’re going to give birth… it’s best not to do it in Florida. A traditional birth costs an average of $12,604 in-network (same as Rhode Island) but it jumps to $31,984 if you’re out-of-network. A C-section costs $15,445 in-network and a bank-breaking $41,299 out-of-network. People love Florida, but they sure don’t love the prices.
Minnesota
Minnesota does have a pretty good healthcare system, to be fair, but it’s still expensive. Minnesota charges $12,461 in-network for a traditional delivery and $24,730 if you go out-of-network. And if you need a C-section to save you or the baby, that costs $14,828 in-network and $33,728 out-of-network.
Arkansas
A traditional birth in Arkansas averages a not-too-bad $12,295 in-network, but $27,532 out-of-network. A C-section meanwhile runs $14,023 in-network and $34,589 out-of-network. Costs can climb fast here, especially in rural parts of the state with fewer hospital options, making it all the more important to plan ahead as soon as you know you’re expecting.
Idaho
While the state has relatively modest prices, that’s cold comfort to poverty-stricken people looking to start a family. Idaho offers an in-network traditional delivery for $12,294, but out-of-network jumps to a massive $24,518. A C-section costs $14,882 in-network and $32,462 out-of-network.
Illinois
In Illinois, an in-network traditional birth averages $11,805, while out-of-network costs rise to $26,150. For a C-section, expect $14,183 in-network or $34,608 if you're outside your provider’s circle. That seems expensive to those outside America with universal healthcare, but in America those aren’t bad prices.
Arizona
Delivering a child in Arizona costs $11,739 in-network for a traditional birth and $29,035 if you go out-of-network. And a C-section costs $14,437 in-network and $37,769 out-of-network. The moral of the story is, have insurance, but for poorer people that’s not always possible.
North Dakota
North Dakota’s in-network traditional birth cost is $11,722, with out-of-network at $20,828. C-section births cost $12,777 in-network and $25,943 out-of-network. Despite being one of the cheaper states overall, rural access and limited choices in North Dakota can still make out-of-network deliveries a huge financial problem for new families.
Hawaii
In Hawaii, a traditional birth costs $11,413 in-network and $24,594 out-of-network, while C-section costs $13,694 in-network and $31,979 out-of-network. Hawaii is an absolutely beautiful place to live, but it’s not cheap.
Mississippi
Mississippi offers an in-network traditional birth for the relatively low price of $11,358, but that rises to $25,135 if you’re out-of-network. A C-section will cost $14,597 in-network and the painfully high price of $35,311 if you don’t have insurance.
Indiana
Indiana is one of those states where you do well if you’re rich and not so much if you’re poor. In Indiana, the average cost for an in-network traditional delivery is $11,349, shooting up to $24,546 out-of-network. A C-section will cost you $32,283 if you're out-of-network but if you have good insurance it should cost only 13,153.
Texas
Texas parents-to-be face costs of $11,318 for an in-network traditional birth and $27,516 if they’re out-of-network. A C-section runs $13,902 in-network and $35,854 outside. Texas does have pretty good hospitals to be fair, and the money pays for the good doctors within them.
Ohio
Ohio keeps things slightly more affordable than most, with a traditional birth at $11,149 in-network and $22,786 out-of-network. If you need a C-section, that costs $12,186 in-network and $28,539 out-of-network. Even though prices are a bit lower than the national average, stepping outside your insurance plan can still double your costs quickly.
New Mexico
In New Mexico, an in-network traditional birth costs a relatively cheap $10,848, while out-of-network is much much higher at $25,362. A C-section is similar: it costs $13,040 in-network and $30,522 out-of-network. While the state offers good Medicaid coverage, those without it or solid insurance may be hit hard by the costs.
Montana
While overall costs are relatively low in Montana - $10,828 for a traditional birth in-network and $12,402 for an in-network C-section - many residents face limited options, and traveling for care may lead them out-of-network more often than not. And in that case, it costs $20,983 for the birth and $26,453 for the C-section.
South Carolina
In the mostly lovely area of South Carolina, having a baby costs $10,795 for an in-network traditional delivery with $13,800 for an in-network C-section. But if you’re out of network, it costs $24,136 for delivery and $33,094 for a C-section. And some regions of the state are even more expensive than that.
Michigan
Thinking of welcoming a little one in Michigan? Brace for around $10,778 for a regular traditional delivery and about $12,546 if it ends up being a C‑section. And if you have no insurance, expect to pay $23,614 and $30,214 for the same things.
Delaware
Delivering in Delaware will run you a reasonable $10,755 in-network and a less reasonable $23,400 out-of-network for a traditional birth. C-sections average $13,110 in-network and $30,436 out-of-network. Planning ahead is essential to avoid nasty surprises.
Iowa
While Iowa's healthcare is generally affordable, out-of-network deliveries still pack a terrible punch if you’re poor in America. Iowa offers a traditional birth for about $10,630 in-network or $21,008 if you’re out-of-network. A C-section will run $13,153 in-network and $30,499 out-of-network.
Georgia
Giving birth in Georgia isn’t the most expensive in the country, but it’s not exactly cheap either. If you have insurance, a traditional birth costs $10,590 and a C-section $12,878. But if you don’t have it, it’ll set you back $22,539 or $29,711 depending on what you need.
North Carolina
In North Carolina, a standard traditional birth costs $10,102 if you stay in-network. Step outside of that and the price jumps to $22,088. A C-section delivery is $12,598 in-network or $30,471 out-of-network. Rural hospitals tend to keep costs lower, but urban medical centers can surprise you with high fees if you're not careful.
Missouri
Missouri doesn’t do too badly here when it comes to prices. If you’re expecting in the state, a traditional birth will set you back $9,842 in-network, and $21,395 out-of-network. C-sections on the other hand average $10,701 in-network and $27,607 out-of-network.
Tennessee
Tennessee offers relatively affordable childbirth under some circumstances - $9,637 for an in-network traditional delivery, or a much higher $22,573 if you go out-of-network. C-sections run $12,689 and $33,335 respectively. And generally, the state is considered to have pretty good maternal healthcare.
Oklahoma
Prices here often reflect the state’s rural-urban divide - less competition means higher rates in some areas. If you’re in-network, you can expect to pay around $9,614 for a traditional delivery and $11,443 for a C-section, but those prices rise to $21,685 and $28,257 if you’re out-of-network.
Kentucky
Kentucky keeps childbirth costs fairly reasonable, with in-network traditional births at $9,550 and out-of-network at $21,215. C-sections cost $12,769 in-network and $31,315 out-of-network. But unfortunately unexpected fees - like lab work or NICU time - can drive the bill much higher than planned.
West Virginia
West Virginia doesn’t have a reputation for great healthcare, but it has better‑than‑average delivery costs – traditional in‑network delivery costs around $9,460, C‑sections near $11,617 - thanks to modest provider fees and lower regional living costs. If you don’t have insurance it’s much more expensive, though.
Virginia
Virginia’s average cost for an in-network traditional delivery is $9,233, but out-of-network bumps it up to $27,527. C-sections cost $11,519 in-network and $36,589 out-of-network. The wide gap in pricing often comes down to urban vs. rural hospitals and the state’s mix of public and private insurance networks.
Maryland
Maryland is a bit of an outlier. A traditional birth costs just $9,183 in-network, and $21,487 out-of-network. But what really stands out is the C-section cost - only $9,856 in-network, which is surprisingly low, and $24,233 out-of-network. So all in all, Maryland is one of the better states to have a baby in.
Louisiana
Louisiana is thankfully a cheap state to have a baby in – mostly. An in-network traditional delivery costs about $7,981, and out-of-network the price climbs to nearly $18,611. C-sections come in at $8,996 in-network, and $22,089 if you go out-of-network. You really need to make sure you have good insurance.
Alabama
In Alabama, if your insurance is in-network, a traditional delivery runs about $7,841, while an out-of-network birth jumps to roughly $17,929. Need a C-section instead? That’s around $8,913 in‑network and $22,689 out‑of‑network. Alabama may not be noted for good healthcare, but at least giving birth isn’t too expensive.
