Did you have a child in 2015? USDA's 2015 Expenditures on Children and Families report finds that child will cost you between $12,350 and $13,900 annually (in 2015 dollars) – or $233,610 from birth through age 17.

Families with lower incomes are expected to spend $174,690 and families with higher incomes are expected to spend $372,210 from birth through age 17. Many state governments use this annual report, also known as "The Cost of Raising a Child," as a resource in determining child support and foster care guidelines. It was first issued in 1960. 

"This report, which we have produced for 55 years, gives families a greater awareness of the expenses they are likely to face, and serves as a valuable tool for financial planning and educational programs, as well as courts and state governments," said Kevin Concannon, Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services. 

"Understanding the costs of raising children and planning for anticipated and unexpected life events is an important part of securing financial health. The U.S. Department of the Treasury, among other federal agencies, has a wealth of information and tools that can help Americans plan for their future. MyMoney.gov can help you make a budget, find assistance with child care costs and save for emergencies or big purchases like a home or college education," said Louisa Quittman, Director of the Office of Financial Security for the U.S. Department of the Treasury. "MyMoney.gov can also help you provide money management lessons for your children to help them be more prepared for their financial future."

The report by economists at USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion details spending by married-couple and single-parent households, and spending in various regions of the county. Housing (29%) and food (18%) account for the largest share of child-rearing expenses for middle-income, married-couple families, followed by childcare/education (16%), transportation (15%), and health care (9%). Clothing was the smallest expense, at 6%, and other miscellaneous child-rearing necessities from birth to age 18 accounted for 7%. This report does not include costs related to pregnancy or college costs.

"When CNPP first issued this report in 1960, housing and food were the two highest expenses, just as they are today," said CNPP Executive Director Angie Tagtow. "But while housing costs have increased over time, changes in American agriculture have resulted in lower food costs, and family food budgets now represent a lower percentage of household income. For families who wish to lower their food costs even more, we offer a variety of resources at ChooseMyPlate.gov/budget."

Across the country, costs were highest in the urban Northeast, urban West and urban South; while lowest in the urban Midwest and rural areas. Much of the regional variation in expenses was related to housing. Differences in child care and education expenses also contributed to regional variation. Overall, child-rearing expenses in rural areas were 24% lower than those in the region with the highest expenses, the urban Northeast.

It is important to note that child-rearing costs vary greatly depending on the number and ages of children in a household. As family size increases, costs per child generally decrease. Report author and CNPP economist Mark Lino, PhD emphasized how significantly costs are impacted by the number of children in a household.

"There are significant economies of scale, with regards to children, sometimes referred to as the 'cheaper by the dozen effect.' As families increase in size, children may share a bedroom, clothing and toys can be reused, and food can be purchased in larger, more economical packages." Lino said. 

As a result, compared to a child in a two-child family, families with one child spend 27% more on the only child and families with three or more children spend 24% less on each child. 

CNPP economists used data from the most recent Consumer Expenditure Survey to present the most recent and comprehensive estimates. The full report, Expenditures on Children by Families, 2015, is available on the web at CNPP.usda.gov. 

Source: USDA