Don’t Buy a House in These 6 US Cities With the Highest Costs of Schooling and Child Care
Written by
Josephine Nesbit
Edited by
Daria Uhlig
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Raising a child in the best environment is a common reason to relocate, but not every city has affordable schooling and child care for the average working family.
According to the latest Consumer Price Index, daycare and preschool costs increased by 4.9% between May 2023 and May 2024.
A report from Child Care Aware of America found that the national average price of child care for 2023 was $11,582. The report stated that it would take 10% of the median income of a married couple with children to afford this national average price. For a single parent with children, it would take 32% of their median household income. This is more than the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ recommendation of 7% of annual income spent on child care.
Beyond child care, all children in the U.S. are guaranteed a free education at their local public school, but private schools charge tuition and other fees. The CPI report showed that elementary and high school tuition and fees increased by nearly 5% during the same period.
The cost of child care and schooling does vary by city and state, as data from Care.com and Niche, and a cost of child care report by AAAStateofPlay, show.
New York City
- Average cost of child care: $35,160 per year
- Average cost of private schooling: $35,000 to $55,000 per year
According to Care.com, it costs approximately $2,930 per month for 130 hours of childcare, or $35,160 per year. Households spend the largest portion of their income on child care in the Bronx (47%), based on data from AAAStateofPlay.
CollegeVine reported that the average annual tuition to attend a private high school in NYC ranges from $35,000 to $55,000. Many schools fall above and below this range, and CollegeVine noted that many private schools offer financial aid.
Boston
- Average cost of child care: $35,496 per year
- Average cost of private schooling: $45,000 to $65,000 per year
Infant care is $2,958 per month, or $35,496 per year, in Boston. According to AAAStateofPlay, households spend 28.31% of their median household income ($80,260) on child care in the Boston metro area. Attending some of the Boston area’s best private schools costs anywhere from $45,000 to $65,000 per year, based on data from Niche.
Fresno, California
- Average cost of child care: $30,012 per year
- Average cost of private schooling: $10,000 to $35,000 per year
It costs $2,501 per month for infant care in Fresno, Care.com reported. Households in this city spend approximately 26.19% of median household income on child care. Private schooling in Fresno is more affordable than in larger metropolitan areas, ranging between $10,000 and $35,000, Niche reported.
Bakersfield, California
- Average cost of child care: $27,612
- Average cost of private schooling: $13,000 to $15,000 per year
Based on data from Care.com, the monthly cost of infant care in Bakersfield is $2,301 for 130 hours of work, amounting to $27,612 annually. AAAStateofPlay data shows that 26.14% of the median household income is spent on childcare in the Bakersfield metro area. Most households spend $13,000 to $15,000 per year on private schooling, but schools may fall above or below this range, according to Niche.
Milwaukee
- Average cost of child care: $27,864 per year
- Average cost of private schooling: $10,000 to $30,000 per year
Infant care starts at $17.86 per hour in Milwaukee or about $2,322 for 130 hours of care, Care.com reported. This makes up 26.04% of median household income in the Milwaukee area. Families can expect to pay anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 per year on private schooling, per data from Niche.
Los Angeles, CA
- Average cost of child care: $39,324
- Average cost of private schooling: $30,000+ per year
Los Angeles child care and schooling are among the priciest in the U.S., but residents here spend a lower portion of their household income on these expenses. According to Care.com, the monthly cost of infant care is $3,277, and AAAStateofPlay notes that these costs make up 24.02% of the median household income in Los Angeles County. According to the Education Data Initiative, top schools in Los Angeles can be $30,000 or more.
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