Summary
A new map from Child Care Aware of America shows how much families in different states spend on child care. The average cost for caring for an infant and a 4-year-old is about $29,000 a year, with some states reporting much higher expenses. In many places, child care costs as much as or even more than housing expenses.
Key Facts
- Child Care Aware of America released a map showing child care costs across the U.S.
- The national average annual cost for child care for two children is roughly $29,000.
- The District of Columbia has the highest costs at $47,174 per year for two children.
- Mississippi, Alabama, and South Dakota have the lowest costs, still above $14,500 annually.
- In many states, child care expenses are equal to or higher than housing costs.
- In 33 states and D.C., child care costs more than the average rent.
- In 14 states, child care costs are similar to or more than mortgage payments.
- Child care costs in high-cost states like Hawaii and New York exceed $37,000 annually.
