12 U.S. States Where Childcare Costs Rival College Tuition

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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. 

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