Raising a child is not easy. It requires a lot of effort, time, attention, and of course, a steady financial condition. Whether you are already expecting your first baby or you're still planning to have one, you and your partner need to be aware of how much it will cost you to raise a child. This will help you be aware and consider getting health insurance, getting a savings fund for your child's future, and will let you make financial plans for the long-run.
If you're living in the U.S, here are some things that you need to consider and some figures of how much it will actually cost you to raise a child.
According to the Department of Agriculture in the U.S, from birth to the age of 17, an estimated cost of raising a child can run up to $250,000 or at least $15,000 per year. For an average or middle-income couple, that is already the average estimated cost for two children. It may sound a bit expensive especially to the urban parts of the country, but it can be the least estimated cost in rural areas.
In statistical data in 2015, a baby born in the past 5 years might be very costly compared to 10 years before. As we all know, necessities and needs have inflated in terms of cost and price, so it's no longer a shocker to anyone even a parent on how costly it would be to raise a child these days. There is a constant 3 percent increase every year and a hike higher than inflation.
If you're planning to raise a kid in the U.S, you need to reconsider and find another country to raise them. According to reports made by the USDA, since 1960, the main costs that will highly impact parents' financial capability most probably go to housing, food, transportation, health care, education, and clothing.
Here are some things that you--and your wallet--could prepare for:
Housing is costly
About 26 to 33% of the total expense of raising a child comes from the housing. The average cost of an additional room for your new baby will run up to thousands of dollars. This is important to consider because, of course, your child needs their own space in your home.
Differences between living in an urban and a rural community
Raising a child differs if you're in an urban or a rural area. The cost of living will depend on the town or city you are in. For middle-income, married couples living in the urban Northeast, a household can spend up to $253,770 to raise a child from birth until 17 years old, while those who live in the urban West can spend up to $235,140. Those who live in the urban Midwest can spend $217,020, and those in the rural areas $193,020.
Child care costs are increasing
Aside from housing, you need to consider your child's future, which will add more expenses to your household. Take education as an example, which takes up 16% of the overall cost in raising a child. Saving up until your child goes to college is important. Food costs are also to be considered in the computation.
