1 of 1
Story summary
- LendingTree analysis shows U.S. child-rearing cost through age 18 is $303,418, surpassing the median home price.
- The cost rose 1.9% from the previous year.
- Parents spend 21.9% of household income on children, down from 22.6% in 2025.
- Daycare costs fell 0.3% for the first five years, with Mississippi, Alabama and South Dakota under $10,000 annually, while Alaska, Kansas and Montana rose over 20% and Hawaii reached $40,342.
