The Cost of Raising a Child in the US

The finance tool Credello* have shared their findings of the cost of raising a child in the US.

I have a considerable US-based audience this will be of use to, but as someone in the UK, I’ve found it interesting and somewhat alarming to read about the cost of child-rearing Stateside compared to the UK (which is also expensive but less so thanks to our free healthcare system, the NHS. I hope it won’t be privatised as it is in America).

Over to Credello.

Just like everything else, the cost of raising a child has skyrocketed in recent years. From the moment babies are born, you will need to have a handle on medical bills, childcare, housing, food, and education. The U.S. is one of the most expensive places in the world to have and raise a child so be prepared for some staggering numbers. However, most parents will always say that their love for their children is worth every penny and more.

A breakdown of the costs of having a child

Here are some of the biggest financial considerations to having a child.

Childbirth

Unfortunately, hospital visits are not free in the US, so giving birth at home will save you a few thousand dollars. For a natural delivery in hospital, you can expect to see a bill at a minimum of $5,000. If you were to have a c-section, that bill could go as high as $14,500. The U.S. is among the most expensive countries to give birth in the entire world, with Switzerland falling in second place.

Adopting is undoubtedly more financially challenging. Between all the fees and paperwork, adoption can cost upwards of $60,000 to $70,000.

Housing

If you have been paying attention to the housing market, you know how hard it is to find a house within your price range that meets your needs. Finding a home in a safe, family-friendly neighborhood with exemplary schools and plenty of space for a growing family can often seem impossible. Hawaii, California, and Massachusetts are some of the most expensive states in the country to purchase a family home.

Food

It costs a lot to feed growing children, especially as food prices continue to increase due to periods of high inflation. Food costs get higher with each year of age until they stop growing around age 17. Many states in the Northeast U.S. such as Conneticut, New Jersey and New York etc. rank among the highest in the country for child food costs.

Childcare

If both parents are working, you will need to find adequate childcare. Whether you choose a nanny or daycare, these costs can consume a big chunk of your salary. If you live in big cities or states like Mississippi, New Mexico, the District of Columbia, and Oregon, you can expect to pay much above the national average for childcare costs.

Education

In some states, private school education can cost the same or more per year as an in-state college. On top of tuition, you will need to budget for after-school activities, supplies, technology private sports or music lessons.

These expenses can add up to a whopping $12,000 per year in a public elementary school. As your children becomes older, costs go up, and you can anticipate paying anywhere from $13,000 to $20,000 per year per child in public school or up to $30,000 for private school.

At the same time, you should be budgeting for a college fund to help send your children to higher education. The average cost of undergraduate tuition is anywhere from $18,000 to $54,000 per year, which can easily total over $100,000 for a four-year university.

Bottom Line

Having a child is a personal decision which requires careful consideration. As a parent, there are many choices you will have to make regarding how to raise your child. Whether to send them to public or private school, what kind of diet you want them to eat and where you want to live with them.

MyCredello is a free personal finance tool that helps you tackle your debt and build up your financial fitness so you can be on your path to success as a want-to-be, new, or seasoned parent.

* Not a sponsored post.