Raising a Child to 18 Costs $303,418

LendingTree's updated estimate, excluding college, shows the total cost has risen nearly 28% since its first report in 2023.

Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Child Care

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Has rising child-raising costs changed whether you plan to have children?

LendingTree estimates the cost of raising a child from birth to age 18 in the United States, excluding college, at $303,418. The total has increased nearly 28% since the company's first report in 2023, though annual childcare costs dipped slightly from last year.

Why it matters

Rising child-raising costs are leading some younger adults to delay or reconsider having children altogether. The estimate offers a benchmark for families weighing the financial demands of parenthood.

The estimate totals $303,418 for birth through age 18, averaging $16,857 annually, and excludes college costs. Childcare is among the largest expenses in a child's first five years, though its annual cost dipped slightly from last year.

The players

LendingTree

LendingTree is an online marketplace that connects consumers with lenders and publishes consumer finance research and cost analyses.

The details

LendingTree's analysis totals childcare, housing, food, transportation and health insurance costs to reach the estimate. The figure has grown nearly 28% since the company first published its analysis in 2023.

2023: LendingTree publishes its first report on the cost of raising a child.
2026-11-11
LendingTree publishes its updated estimate of $303,418.

Family Budget Trend

The increase since LendingTree's 2023 report of nearly 28% tracks the rising household costs that are now shaping family planning decisions across the country. It shows how the cost of parenthood has grown faster than many households' incomes in recent years.

Families planning for children can use the roughly $16,857 annual average as a rough benchmark when budgeting for childcare, housing, food and transportation. Because childcare is among the largest early-years expenses, it is a key line item to plan for first.

The takeaway

Planning early for the full cost of a child, not just the first year, helps families set realistic budgets. Childcare is often the largest early expense, so it deserves priority in financial planning.