Thinking of Having a Kid?
Raising a child is one of life’s greatest joys - but it’s also one of the biggest financial commitments you’ll ever make. And depending on where you live, those expenses can vary dramatically. We’ve rounded up the latest numbers from Parents.com to show exactly what it costs to raise a child in every American state.
Alabama
In sweet home Alabama, it costs about $18,653 a year to raise a kid - housing runs around $2,203, childcare about $8,078, and food close to $1,897. Pretty affordable compared to other states. Unfortunately, though, Alabama doesn’t score super high on child well-being.
Alaska
Raising a kid in Alaska isn’t cheap - around $26,860 a year. And it gets worse. On the child-friendliness side, Alaska struggles. It’s ranked near the bottom nationally for education and overall well-being, especially in rural areas. It’s a beautiful place but maybe not the best for having a family.
Arizona
Arizona parents spend about $24,026 a year raising a child in that hot desert environment. A lot of money, and Arizona ranks 42nd in child well-being and sits near the bottom for education. But on the flip side, family-friendly towns like Gilbert and Scottsdale are known for low crime and good schools.
Arkansas
Raising a kid in Arkansas is on the more affordable side at about $17,424 a year. Housing costs around $2,113, childcare is about $7,337, and food for the growing kid is $1,735. Not bad, but there’s a downside. Arkansas tends to rank low in child well-being, with challenges in education and healthcare access.
California
California has some of the best schools and child healthcare access in the country, plus endless family activities. Unfortunately, though, it’s also quite expensive. California parents spend roughly $29,468 a year raising a child. Housing eats up $5,573, childcare averages $14,433, and food comes in at $2,023.
Colorado
Colorado shines where it comes to family-friendliness. Strong school systems, lots of outdoor recreation, and relatively low crime in suburban areas make it attractive for parents. Housing prices are high, but it’s still an attractive place. And raising a child costs around $30,425 per year.
Connecticut
Those in the state of Connecticut spend about $32,803 a year raising a child. Yep, it’s pricey - but Connecticut consistently ranks high for education and child well-being. Families enjoy safe suburbs, excellent schools, and good healthcare access. For many, it’s a dream come true no matter the price tag.
Delaware
In Delaware, raising a kid costs about $25,099 a year. Housing averages $3,368, childcare is $12,579, and food is $1,951. While not the cheapest, Delaware has solid schools, decent healthcare, and a smaller-state feel where you don’t have to travel far for anything. Crime can be higher in certain areas, but the suburban communities are known for being safe and family-friendly.
Florida
The sunshine state has plenty of family fun - beaches, museums, theme parks that are the envy of the whole world – but schools vary a lot depending on the county, and crime rates are higher in big cities. Then there’s the cost. It’s $21,384 per year to raise a child.
Georgia
In Georgia, it costs about $20,480 annually to raise a kid. The state offers affordable living compared to many, but child well-being rankings are on the lower end, especially in education. That said, family-oriented suburbs around Atlanta have strong communities and teachers who are trying their best.
Hawaii
Raising a child in Hawaii will set you back about $35,049 a year - the second-highest price tag in the nation. Childcare alone is $19,592. Ouch. But Hawaii also ranks well for overall child health and has lower crime rates compared to many mainland states.
Idaho
In Idaho, raising a kid costs about $21,214 per year - that breaks down to around $2,765 for housing, $8,262 for childcare, and $2,040 for food. It’s not the cheapest, but still reasonable. Families often praise Idaho for its safe streets and outsdoorsy vibe.
Illinois
If you’re having a child in Illinois, expect to spend roughly $23,821 a year. It’s not the most expensive, but it’s not the cheapest either. Chicago is a pretty good place with live with top-notch schools, but it’s definitely not for those who want a slow and laid-back pace.
Indiana
Indiana parents are looking at about $21,584 a year to get their child to adulthood. That’s $2,421 for housing, $10,693 for childcare, and $1,731 for food. While Indiana has its flaws, as does everywhere, people there report it’s a pretty good place to raise a kid.
Iowa
There’s lots to recommend Iowa. It’s got that small-town vibe with safe streets, tight-knit communities, and school districts that consistently rank high. But it’s not cheap. You’ll be spending around $22,714 per year for the essentials for your kid.
Kansas
Families in Kansas enjoy a lower cost of living, safe small towns, and good schools, especially in suburban areas. There’s a lot of focus on the outdoors, too, which is a good way to raise healthy kids. But it’s on the more expensive side with $19,494 per year.
Kentucky
Kentucky is one of the more affordable states for parents – raising a child costs around $18,588 there. While the state struggles in some areas of child well-being, plenty of towns offer safe streets with solid schools and good neighbors.
Louisiana
The cost of raising a child in Louisiana is $17,918, but it does rank lower in child well-being, especially in education. That said, life here is rich in culture, food, and community spirit, and many people enjoy it very much. Smaller towns tend to offer safer, more kid-friendly environments compared to the bigger cities.
Maine
Costs lean high in Maine. Parents can expect to pay $24,917 a year to raise their kid. But you get a lot of bang for your buck – Maine has low crime rates, peace and quiet, and lots of beautiful scenery. Families appreciate the safety and school quality, especially in coastal and suburban communities.
Maryland
In Maryland, it costs about $24,830 a year to raise a child. That means $3,516 for housing, $11,944 for childcare, and $2,078 for food. That’s not too bad considering the state has good schools, a low crime rate, and impressive healthcare.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts parents spend the highest amount in the nation on child-rearing… a whopping $35,841. But to be fair, Massachusetts consistently ranks near the top in education and child well-being. It’s a great place to settle down if you’re already rich.
Michigan
Raising a child in Michigan costs about $23,075 a year. Housing is around $2,836, childcare is $12,182, and food is around $1,833. That’s fairly reasonable all in all, because Michigan comes highly recommended. The towns are safe and the schools are good.
Minnesota
Minnesota is one of the more expensive states to raise a child, as it costs $27,406 per year. Still, it’s not the most expensive, and it’s a pretty good place to live overall. Minnesota consistently ranks high for education, child health, and overall well-being.
Mississippi
Raising a kid in Mississippi is surprisingly affordable at $16,151 a year. Housing comes in around $2,026, childcare is $4,725, and food is $1,783. There’s a considerable downside, though. Education and healthcare rank lower than other states, and the place has a bad reputation politically.
Missouri
In Missouri, it costs about $19,995 per year to raise a child. The state is considered quite middle of the road when it comes to child well-being… it’s not the best, but it’s not the worst either. The suburbs are generally considered safe, and you stand a good chance of finding a good school.
Montana
Montana parents spend around $20,839 a year raising a child - $2,729 for housing, $9,354 for childcare, and $1,918 for food. That’s not bad. Schools are decent in most towns, and crime is generally low, making it a peaceful, nature-friendly place to raise kids.
Nebraska
Raising a kid in Nebraska costs about $22,773 annually, and on the whole it’s considered a pretty good state to start a family in. It scores well on safety and education, especially in suburban areas around Omaha and Lincoln, and communities tend to show up for each other.
Nevada
Raising a kid in Nevada costs about $26,914 a year. It’s on the pricier side, mostly because of childcare, which comes in at a whopping $14,968. It’s not considered the most family-friendly place in the world, it’s famous worldwide for gambling after all, but many report good lives there.
New Hampshire
The cost is high when it comes to starting a family in New Hampshire, it’s around $27,849 for one child. But families love it for its low crime rates, excellent schools, and walkable streets. It also has very good healthcare, some of the best in the USA in fact.
New Jersey
New Jersey is another fairly expensive state to raise a child in, as it will set you back $26,870 a year. Not cheap, but the upside is top-notch schools, plenty of family amenities, and a low crime rate. Families also get the benefits of proximity to New York City without being in the chaos of the big city itself.
New Mexico
In New Mexico, raising a child costs about $20,060 annually – so not a bad price tag, really. Schools vary in quality admittedly, but many towns offer safe neighborhoods and warm communities. The scenery is beautiful as well, and the history fascinating.
New York
New York is one of the most famous and extravagant cities in the world, and the cost of child-rearing reflects that. Raising a kid in the Big Apple costs about $30,247 a year, with housing averaging $3,543, childcare $17,821, and food $2,141.
North Carolina
In North Carolina, raising a child costs about $21,510 a year. Parents generally find that a pretty reasonable price, and there’s lots of good stuff in North Carolina – it’s big on healthy activities, and the schools are pretty reliable.
North Dakota
North Dakota comes in at $21,645 a year for raising a child to adulthood. But that’s not bad, and many parents appreciate the low crime, safe neighborhoods, and good schools in the state. It’s also the 8th best state for health care!
Ohio
Raising a child in Ohio costs about $22,926 per year. Housing is $2,618, childcare is $12,175, and food is $1,867. So it’s sort of average when it comes to costs, not too cheap but not too expensive either. And many people like living in Ohio, as it’s safe and family-friendly.
Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, it costs roughly $19,535 annually to raise a kid, so on the cheaper end of the spectrum. It’s cheap but not always the best – schools are a bit hit and miss, politics affect parents badly sometimes, and the extreme weather can get dangerous.
Oregon
Costs are on the high side in Oregon. It costs $26,334 a year to raise a kid to adulthood, with $14,000 of that going on childcare. However, Oregon is great for outdoor family activities, education, and safe communities. Families often move there to be closer to nature.
Pennsylvania
Raising a kid in Pennsylvania costs parents about $24,820 a year - $2,916 on housing, $12,227 on childcare, $1,991 on food. But schools and hospitals are good, and the crime rate is fairly low. Suburbs around Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are especially popular with families.
Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, raising a kid costs about $27,630 a year, so fairly expensive all in all. If you can afford that, families in the state enjoy excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and lots of kid-friendly activities. It’s also considered the best in the USA for healthcare systems.
South Carolina
The cost of living in South Carolina is low, and raising a child there costs around $20,293 per year. So it’s relatively affordable, and families love the balance of good schools, relaxing coastal areas, and safe suburban communities. Beware of the dangerous bad weather, though.
South Dakota
South Dakota is cheaper than its northern cousin - raising a kid in the state costs about $19,008 a year. In return, you get the boons of low crime, safe communities, and plenty of family activities on offer. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that it’s not a very diverse place to live.
Tennessee
Tennessee parents spend roughly $19,525 a year raising a child. Housing averages $2,249, childcare is $8,547, and food is $1,920. The state has pros and cons: it has a low cost of living and no state income tax, but it also has a fairly low life expectancy compared to other states.
Texas
Raising a child in Texas costs about $20,724 per year. And your quality of life in the state largely depends on where you end up – the cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston do well, while the rural areas suffer from lack of healthcare access.
Utah
In Utah, raising a kid costs roughly $20,955 annually. Housing averages $2,771, childcare $9,698, and food $1,849. So it’s about average, really. Families love the outdoors, low crime, and strong schools, especially in suburbs near Salt Lake City – but they don’t always love the heat and dryness.
Vermont
Vermont parents spend about $27,170 a year raising a child, so it’s slightly more expensive than the average. The housing costs are especially expensive, coming in at $13,956. But the state shines for safety, low crime, and excellent schools, so a lot of parents looking for a change pack up and move there.
Virginia
It costs about $24,043 per year to raise a kid in Virginia. Like so many places in the United States, it’s great if you have a good income but problematic if you’re not making a lot of money. Luckily, the job market there is booming – but the cost of living is high.
Washington
Raising a child in Washington state costs about $27,806 a year. Housing is $4,047, childcare $15,463, and food $2,109. It’s pricey, especially around childcare, but the state scores high for safety, schools, and family-friendly communities. It’s also a good place to raise children if you want to get them outdoors a lot.
West Virginia
Almost heaven, West Virginia! Well, the truth is more complicated than the song. Raising a kid here costs roughly $19,558 per year, certainly not as expensive as many other states. People come to the states for the low cost of living, but admittedly some are turned off by the poor healthcare and infrastructure issues.
Wisconsin
It costs $24,064 a year to raise a child to adulthood in Wisconsin. In return for that dough you get good schools, low crime, and strong community engagement. Generally Wisconsin is considered a good place to live, but it has a few downsides – a high tax burden, for a start.
Wyoming
In the remote land of Wyoming, raising a kid costs about $20,579 annually, with $2,580 of that going on housing, $8,461 on childcare, and $1,917 on food. It’s not a bad place to live overall, with low crime rates and friendly neighbors, but some find the natural environment very challenging.
