20 U.S. States with the Most Expensive Childcare

Childcare costs can be a significant financial burden for families, varying widely across the United States. According to a survey conducted by SmartAsset, in some states, these expenses are especially high. It impacts household budgets and influences decisions about work and childcare options.

Massachusetts

The highest cost of child upbringing is seen in Massachusetts. Raising a child costs $34,841 per year for families. Childcare alone consumes $21,503, while housing and food result in costs above $7,000. The high cost of living is the main driver of these expenses.

Hawaii

The Aloha State’s natural beauty comes with a hefty price tag for families. In this state, raising a child requires $35,049 a year. Childcare expenses reach $19,592, while additional housing demands $6,188. Food costs are notably high at $2,481, reflecting the state’s reliance on imported goods.

Connecticut

Connecticut’s proximity to New York City influences its high childcare costs. Families spend $32,803 yearly on a child. Childcare costs reach $19,554 on average whereas housing and food elevate the amount to over $6,000. The state’s affluent suburbs contribute to these increased costs.

Colorado

Colorado’s booming economy comes with increased living costs. Raising a child here costs $30,425 annually. When considering only childcare expenses, it exceeds $16,000 on average. Housing expenses add $4,166 while food costs reach $2,035. The state’s outdoor lifestyle and growing urban centers drive these costs upward.

New York

New York’s reputation for high living costs extends to childcare. Families spend $30,247 yearly on a child. Childcare demands $17,821 on average. On top of that, housing and food expenses result in an additional $5,500. The state’s diverse economy and cultural attractions come at a price for parents.

California

The Golden State’s diverse landscape is matched by its high childcare costs. Raising a child here amounts to $29,468 on an annual basis. Childcare alone requires $14,433 on average. Plus, housing expenses are particularly high at $5,573, reflecting the state’s property values. Over $2,000 in food expenses are added to the overall sum.

New Hampshire

The Granite State’s family-friendly reputation comes with substantial costs. Child-rearing expenses reach $27,849 annually. Childcare charges on average leads to $13,461. Housing and food costs add more than $6,600 to the expenses.

Washington

The state’s thriving tech industry has a significant influence on the rising childcare costs. To raise a child, $27,806 a year on childcare. Out of this childcare costs require $15,463 on average. This increases with the significant housing cost of $4,047 and food costs of $2,109. The state’s diverse geography contributes to varying living expenses.

Rhode Island

This small state island’s compact size does not translate to lower childcare costs. Families face annual expenses of $27,630 for raising a child. Charges for childcare amount to $14,498 on average. Housing adds $3,753 to the total, while food amounts to $2,127. The state’s coastal location influences these expenses.

Minnesota

The land of 10,000 lakes has a significant price tag when it comes to childcare. Child-rearing costs reach $27,406 annually. Childcare alone costs $15,722 on average, one of the highest rates on the list. Housing and food expenses add over $5,000. These costs can be attributed to the severe winters in the state.

Vermont

Vermont’s picturesque landscape comes with substantial expenses for childcare. The costs of raising a child in the state come at $27,170 yearly. Childcare costs amount to $13,956 on average. On top of that, housing expenses add $3,718 to the bill, while food costs are relatively high at $2,183.

Nevada

The cost of child upbringing in this state is influenced by its diverse economy. Raising a child costs $26,914 in total every year. Childcare costs demand $14,968 on average. Housing and food costs add more than $4,000 to the overall cost. The state’s tourism-driven economy may contribute to these figures.

New Jersey

New Jersey’s proximity to major cities drives up childcare costs. Raising a child costs $26,870 per year for families in this state. Childcare costs range up to $13,674 on average. Moreover, housing expenses add a significant $4,054 along with food adds $2,068 to the yearly bill.

Alaska

The distinctive location of this state raises the expense of childcare. Child-rearing expenses reach $26,860 annually. Childcare costs amount to $13,238 on average. Housing and food expenses are notably high, adding $4,074 and $2,342 respectively to the overall bill

Oregon

The Beaver State’s growing population influences its childcare costs. It takes $26,334 per year to bring up a child in this state. Childcare facilities charge $14,000 on average. On top of that housing and food costs over $4,000, increasing the overall costs.

Delaware

Delaware’s strategic location comes with a high amount of childcare costs. To bring up a child, families need $25,867 every year. Childcare expenses alone reach $12,579 on average. Housing and food adds $3,368 and $1,951 to the total. Low wages and high expense costs lead to this disparity.

Maine

Maine comes with a significant price tag for families. Raising a child costs $24,917 annually. Childcare facilities charge $11,762 on average. Housing expenses add $3,480 to the bill, while food costs reach $2,083. The state’s seasonal economy may contribute to these year-round expenses.

Maryland

The cost of a child’s upbringing in this state is influenced by its economy. The total expense of raising a child is $24,830. Childcare alone reaches $11,944 on average. The expense of housing and food comes to over $5,500. The state’s proximity to Washington D.C. also drives these expenses.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s mix of urban and rural areas influences the cost of childcare. Child-rearing expenses reach $24,820 annually. Childcare facilities demand $12,227 on average. Other mandatory expenses like housing and food cost over $4,500.

Wisconsin

America’s Dairyland’s family-friendly reputation comes with substantial costs. To bring up a child, a family requires $24,064 per year. Childcare costs reach $13,395 on average, higher than some states with overall higher costs. Housing expenses add $2,557 to the total, while food costs reach $1,904.