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Pulsafi

Cost of Raising a Child (2026)

$334,000
Total cost to raise one child to age 17
Summary

The total cost of raising a child from birth to age 17 in the US is approximately $334,000 in 2026 — about $19,650/year on average. That excludes college, which adds $108,000+ for in-state public universities. Largest categories: housing (29%), food (18%), childcare/education (16%), transportation (15%). Costs scale with income — top-quintile families spend ~$525,000 per child.

Breakdown

Birth to age 17 (avg)$334,000
Per year (avg)$19,650
Top-quintile income$525,000
Bottom-quintile income$237,000
+ In-state public college+$108,000
+ Private college+$240,000
Source
USDA Cost of Raising a Child / Brookings updates· As of 2026-Q1

Related stats

Average Monthly Spending Per Household →Average College Cost →

More net worth stats

Median US Household Net WorthTop 1% Net Worth ThresholdAverage Savings Account Balance by AgeAmericans Living Paycheck to PaycheckAmericans Without an Emergency FundRenters vs Homeowners Net Worth
All Pulsafi stats are sourced from primary government data and major financial institutions. Read the full methodology and data-sources page.