Cost to Raise a Child Calculator

Why This Calculation Matters

The Cost to Raise a Child Calculator helps you make better family decisions by putting the math directly in front of you. Instead of relying on averages or guesswork, plug in your own numbers and see how the key inputs, rate, term, amount, and timing, interact. Small changes to any one of them can have outsized effects over years or decades.

How to Use This Calculator

• Enter your values in the input fields, each one has a label and help text explaining what to type.
• Results appear instantly as you type; there's no "calculate" button to press.
• Change any input to compare scenarios side by side.

All math happens in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to a server, saved, or shared.

Key Inputs to Get Right

The most important numbers are usually the interest rate and the time horizon. Over years or decades, small rate differences compound into large dollar differences, so it's worth sanity-checking the rate against current market data before acting on any result.

Cost of Raising a Child

According to USDA data, the average cost to raise a child from birth to 18 is approximately $310,000 (in 2025 dollars). This includes housing, food, childcare, transportation, healthcare, clothing, and education.

Annual Breakdown

• Ages 0-2: ~$16,000-18,000/year (childcare costs peak)
• Ages 3-5: ~$14,000-16,000/year
• Ages 6-12: ~$13,000-15,000/year
• Ages 13-17: ~$14,000-18,000/year