Every US state ranked by the cost of raising a child, from least to most expensive

"A LendingTree study released in April found that it costs US parents an average of $303,418 to raise a child over 18 years. Parents spend an average of 21.9% of their income on child-rearing costs each year, a slight decrease from 22.6% in LendingTree's 2025 study. While the costs vary by state, one factor remains constant: the rising cost of childcare during the workday, which is often the largest expense related to having a child."

"Hawaii was ranked the most expensive state to raise a child in 2026. On average, parents in the US spend 21.9% of their income on child-rearing costs each year. Beyond the time, care, and love that go into parenting, raising a child in the US comes with a steep financial cost, and in some states, that price tag is far higher than in others."

"Our data from last year showed that in 45 states and DC, if you have two kids, what you pay for childcare on average exceeds [your] mortgage. Bishop says this isn't a new trend. Since Childcare Aware began tracking costs in 2000, the cost of childcare has remained "a major expense for families," she said."

"On average, the price of childcare has increased every year that Childcare Aware has tracked it. "[About] 70 to 80% of what it costs to provide childcare is staff costs," Bishop said. "As th""

A LendingTree study estimates the average cost of raising a child in the US to age 18 at $303,418. Parents spend about 21.9% of their income on child-rearing costs each year, slightly less than 22.6% reported in a prior year. Costs vary by state, with Hawaii ranked as the most expensive state to raise a child in 2026. Childcare during the workday is identified as a major expense and often exceeds mortgage costs in many states when raising two children. Child Care Aware of America has tracked childcare costs since 2000 and reports that childcare has remained a major expense, with prices increasing every year. Staff costs account for roughly 70% to 80% of childcare provider expenses.

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