Combined Public & Private Cost To Raise A Child To Age 18 Averages $502,152

In the United States, the average combined public and private cost to raise a child from birth to age 18 is $502,152, according to a recent analysis. About 23% of the total cost was attributed to informal educational experiences, including lessons, community group participation, religious activities, and visits to libraries, museums, concerts, plays, and other cultural activities.

The next largest components were nutrition, at 22% of the total, and housing, at 16%. Formal education accounted for 15% of total costs and was calculated using teacher and administrator salary expenditures.

Six additional domains each accounted for less than 10% of . . .