U.S. Child-Rearing Costs Hit $303,418 Over 18 Years, Hawaii Tops $412,661
The average cost of raising a child over 18 years in the U.S. has reached $303,418, with Hawaii topping the list at $412,661 and New Hampshire the lowest at $201,963. Rent charges spiked 49% year over year to $1,680 monthly, driving a 1.9% rise in overall child-rearing expenses.
1. National Average Cost
Analysis shows the national average cost to raise a child over 18 years reached $303,418, marking a 1.9% annual increase driven by higher living expenses.
2. State-by-State Variation
Costs vary widely by state, with Hawaii highest at $412,661 and New Hampshire lowest at $201,963, while Alaska and Maryland stand at $365,047 and $326,360 respectively.
3. Main Expense Drivers
Rent and clothing led expense growth, as monthly rent jumped from $1,128 to $1,680 (49% increase) and apparel costs rose over 25% year over year.
4. Sharp Regional Increases
Some regions saw even sharper rises: Kansas and Alaska child-rearing expenses climbed 23.5% year over year, with childcare deserts intensifying cost pressures.