How much does it cost to raise a child in different states of America?

According to a LendingTree study published in April 2026, the average cost of raising a child in the United States until they reach 18 is $303,418. Parents spend an average of 21,9% of their annual income on all child-rearing expenses. This is slightly lower than the 22,6% reported in the previous year's study. Business Insider.

The study takes into account the additional costs of a family with one small child compared to a childless couple: the difference in expenses on housing, food, transportation, clothing, healthcare, and kindergarten/nursery.

While these costs vary widely by state, one trend remains consistent: the ever-increasing cost of day care, which often becomes the single largest expense.

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Hawaii again topped the list of most expensive states to raise a child in 2026, while Mississippi remained the most affordable.

The Ten Cheapest States

Mississippi

• Annual average cost: $17,148
• Kindergarten: $7,696
• Food: $1,842

Alabama

• Annual cost: $18,019
• Kindergarten: $7,696
• Food: $1,842

South Dakota

• Annual cost: $18,019
• Kindergarten: $7,696
• Food: $1,842

Южная Каролина

• Annual cost: $18,019
• Kindergarten: $7,696
• Food: $1,842

Арканзас

• Annual cost: $18,019
• Kindergarten: $7,696
• Food: $1,842

Georgia

• Annual cost: $18,019
• Kindergarten: $7,696
• Food: $1,842

Texas

• Annual cost: $18,019
• Kindergarten: $7,696
• Food: $1,842

Iowa

• Annual cost: $18,019
• Kindergarten: $7,696
• Food: $1,842

Oklahoma

• Annual cost: $18,019
• Kindergarten: $7,696
• Food: $1,842

Louisiana

• Annual cost: $18,019
• Kindergarten: $7,696
• Food: $1,842

The Ten Most Expensive States

Hawaii

• Annual average cost: $17,148
• Kindergarten: $7,696
• Food: $1,842

Maryland

• Annual cost: $18,019
• Kindergarten: $7,696
• Food: $1,842

Massachusetts

• Annual cost: $18,019
• Kindergarten: $7,696
• Food: $1,842

California

• Annual cost: $18,019
• Kindergarten: $7,696
• Food: $1,842

New Jersey

• Annual cost: $18,019
• Kindergarten: $7,696
• Food: $1,842

Washington

• Annual cost: $18,019
• Kindergarten: $7,696
• Food: $1,842

Colorado

• Annual cost: $18,019
• Kindergarten: $7,696
• Food: $1,842

New York

• Annual cost: $18,019
• Kindergarten: $7,696
• Food: $1,842

Columbia region

• Annual cost: $18,019
• Kindergarten: $7,696
• Food: $1,842

Connecticut

• Annual cost: $18,019
• Kindergarten: $7,696
• Food: $1,842

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