04/21/2026
They say children are expensive, and they're not kidding!
The cost of raising a child in the U.S. continues to rise, a new analysis puts the total cost at approximately $303,000 through age 18, or about $16,800 per year on average.
These figures include everyday expenses like housing, food, and childcare, but do not account for college costs, which can add significantly more over time.
Costs can also vary widely depending on location. Some states saw notable increases, while others experienced slower growth in certain child-related expenses.
While the overall total has increased, some categories, such as early childcare, have shown signs of stabilizing in recent data.
As costs evolve, these trends offer a broader view of how family-related expenses are changing.
If you are wondering about how you can help your child save and potentially help your tax bill in the meantime, how you can navigate increasing costs, or how you can help your children and grandchildren build wealth, I'm always here as a resource.
Source:
Raising a child through age 18 is most expensive in Hawaii, where a family would spend an estimated $412,661 in 2026, LendingTree found.