This is how much money you’ll probably spend raising a child in the U.S.
If you’re thinking of having a baby anytime soon, it might be smart to start saving. This year’s “cost of raising a child” report claims American families will spend about $233,610 raising children born in 2015 to adulthood.
The report, released each year by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, estimates how much the average family will spend from the child’s birth to age 17.
The total comes from estimating the cost of housing, food, transportation, healthcare, education, clothing, and childcare. However, the report doesn’t factor in inflation (yikes), college tuition, or any costs accrued during pregnancy, childbirth, or adoption. That means you’ll probably end up shelling out even more.
Your income and relationship status might affect the bottom line as well: the USDA’s estimate accounts for middle-income, married-couple families with two children. Lower-income families will spend about $174,690, while higher-income families will spend $372,210.
Where you live also matters: Urban areas, especially the urban Northeast, make child-rearing more expensive than elsewhere in the U.S.
“As families increase in size, children may share a bedroom, clothing and toys can be reused, and food can be purchased in larger, more economical packages, Dr. Mark Lino said in a press release.
The cost of raising kids went up about 3% from the previous year, according to the report.
All the more reason to break out that piggy bank.