Most expensive state to have a baby revealed – but you can avoid $15k in costs

THE most expensive US state to raise a child has been revealed, but there’s still a way parents can avoid about $15,000 in costs.

Caring for children has, in general, become exceedingly expensive nationwide in recent years.

Married couples currently spend about 13% of their income on little ones, and single parents hand over about 51%, according to a recent study from WalletHub.

Depending on the state, due to varying economic factors in each one, costs can be higher or lower for single and married parents.

At the top of the list, overall, is New York, according to the personal finance company’s data.

Raising a child costs about 11% to 12.8% of the median income for married couples in the state, depending on whether its privately through a family at home or at a child care center.

For single parents, its far more difficult in New York.

They typically must provide about 38.4% to 44.7% of their income solely for child care.

But, why is the burden so much higher on single parents?

For married couples, the median income in New York is $140,449, the 11th-highest in the nation.

Median single parent income, however, is just $40,315, which shows why the burden is more than double.

Except, New York families (and families nationwide) can still save up to $15,000 on child care expenses by having health insurance cover some costs, especially those that are immediately present at the hospital during delivery.

Delivery costs on average in 2025 are about $18,865, according to findings from Investopedia.

Those who have quality health insurance, and depending on where they live, typically pay around $3,000 out-of-pocket.

That means over $15,000 in costs can be avoided in an instant.

Without health insurance, some Americans have paid anywhere between $11,000 to over $30,000.

CLOSE BEHIND

Second and third on the list of most expensive states for child care costs are New Mexico and Washington.

New Mexico married couples hand over about 11.6% of their median income to raise a kid, and the state actually has the most expensive family child care nationwide, with the 12th-costliest child care centers, according to the findings.

Single parents in New Mexico pay down about 34.9% to 36.3% of their median income on child care.

The high percentages come from the low median incomes.

New Mexico has the seventh-lowest median for single parents at $31,822 and second-lowest for married couples at $99,636.

WASHINGTON WOES

For Washington, in third place, couples spend about 10% to 12.6% of their median income, which is $142,866 annually.

Single parents spent up to 41.1% of their median income, set at $43,874, the 12th-highest in the United States.

Oregon and Vermont followed close behind as fourth and fifth for most expensive child care costs.

Last on the list, or the least expensive state for child care costs would be South Dakota at 5.03% for married couples median income and 6.66% for single parents.

American families are also getting a higher child tax credit up to $2,500 after a key change that could help with costs.

The US Sun also has the list of the top cities where you can earn $100,000 a year and still be broke.