How much will it cost to raise a child in 2026? ChatGPT did the math.

Have you ever thought about the real cost of raising children in the future? The numbers provided by AI might take your breath away.

Key Figures

First Year: $15,000-$30,000 (Middle-income households)

• Prenatal check-ups, delivery, baby supplies, insurance all-in-one
• Big cities (New York, San Francisco) double directly to $30,000-$40,000+

Total Cost for Ages 0-18: $350,000-$450,000 (excluding college)

• Push up from the current $297,000-$332,000 based on the inflation rate.
• Average annual basic expenses of $20,000+

The True Culprit of Soaring Costs

1. Healthcare: The insurance deductible increases every year, and complications can cost a fortune in no time.
2. Childcare: The cost of daycare/nanny services is the fastest-growing expense item.
3. Housing: Many families need to move to a bigger house for their children, and this amount of money doubles directly.
4. Regional Differences: The cost of raising a child in rural areas compared to Manhattan differs by over $100,000.

Are there any more surprises?

University fees are calculated separately. Public universities cost $40,000-$80,000 for 4 years, while private universities exceed $200,000. This amount is in addition to the $350,000, not included within it.

Plain Language Conclusion: From the moment you have a child, you are essentially spending the equivalent of money for a decent second-hand car. After 18 years, this amount could buy a house in some places.