A new map from Child Care Aware of America shows how much families spend on child care across the United States.
With child care now costing costing more than many college degrees and more than rent in some major cities, parents are finding finances stretched.
Meanwhile, Gen Z and millennials are putting off having children, with half of those aged 18 to 34 saying that if the cost of living were lower, they would be more likely to consider starting a family.
Child Care Aware of America’s January 2025 survey of child care resource and referral state networks found that the national average annual child care costs for center-based care for an infant and a 4-year-old is about $29,000 a year.
Costs Vary Sharply by State
The District of Columbia is the most expensive place for families, with average costs reaching $47,174 a year for two children in full-time, center-based care.
Other states topping the list include Massachusetts ($47,012), Maryland ($40,832), California ($39,293) and Washington ($38,256).
At the other end of the spectrum, the most affordable child care was found in Mississippi ($14,560), Alabama ($16,640), and South Dakota ($16,702). Still, even in those states, care costs make up a significant share of family income.
Many states fall closer to the national average. Families in Florida ($22,420), Texas ($21,574), and North Carolina ($22,751) spend slightly less than average, while those in Colorado ($35,779) and Connecticut ($33,789) pay far more.
In Hawaii, care costs reach $38,107 a year, and in New York, $37,783, reflecting both high living costs and limited availability of affordable care.
Child Care vs. Housing
The report also compared the cost of child care and housing, revealing that in most states, child care for two children costs as much as—or more than—housing.
According to the group’s analysis, the average annual rent nationwide is roughly $17,000, while the average mortgage payment is about $24,000—compared with an average child care cost of $29,000.
In 33 states and Washington, D.C., the cost of child care exceeds average rent, and in 14 states, it rivals or surpasses a typical mortgage payment.
The District of Columbia stands out as one of the most extreme examples, where parents pay more than twice the average rent of about $22,800 and well above the average mortgage payment of $36,700.
Even in lower-cost states, the financial strain is apparent. In Mississippi, for example, child care for two children costs $14,560 a year, compared with $10,056 in annual rent. In Alabama, child care costs $16,640, slightly more than the state’s $11,556 average rent.
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