Child care costs now exceed rents nationwide

It’s official. Children cost more than a house. Child care costs in the US have skyrocketed, surpassing rent expenses in every state.

A report from Child Care Aware of America reveals that the average cost for two children exceeds rents by at least 25% nationwide and more than doubles the rents in eight states and Washington, D.C.

Vermont leads with annual child care costs for two children at $35,016, while rent averages $13,788. 

Despite government recommendations that child care costs should not exceed 7% of a family’s income, a married couple spends 10% of their income on kids.

Last year, caring for one child cost families around $11,582, a 3.7% increase from the previous year.