Cost of Raising a Child in the US: $233,610 (USDA Average)

USDA Expenditures on Children by Families (2015 data, published 2017)

The US Department of Agriculture estimates the average cost to raise a child from birth to age 17 at $233,610 (for a middle-income, two-child, married-couple family).

Breakdown by Category (% of total)

• Housing: 29%
• Food: 18%
• Childcare & Education: 16%
• Transportation: 15%
• Healthcare: 9%
• Clothing: 6%
• Miscellaneous: 7%

Major Variables

• Income Level: Low-income: ~$174k; High-income: ~$372k.
• Region: Urban Northeast/West highest; Rural lowest.
• Single Parent: Higher % of income; lower absolute $.
• Number of Children: Economies of scale (shared rooms, hand-me-downs, bulk buying).
• College: **Not included** – adds $100k–$300k+.

2024 Context

Inflation since 2015 likely pushes current average **above $300,000**. Childcare costs have surged 30%+ post-COVID.

Planning Implication

Budget early. Use 529 plans, dependent care FSAs, tax credits (Child Tax Credit, CDCTC). Employer benefits matter.