The rising cost of child care has become a growing financial strain for families across the U.S. For many, the price of infant care can take up a significant portion of their income, leaving parents struggling to balance household expenses.
In some states, child care costs reach up to 18% of a married couple‘s income and a staggering 65% of a single parent‘s income. These numbers are well beyond the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ recommendation that child care should not exceed 7% of a family’s income.
This study dives into the variations in childcare costs across all 50 states. We compare the costs of center-based and family childcare setups and examine how much of a family’s income goes toward these expenses. The data sheds light on the states where child care is the most and least affordable for both married couples and single parents.
This study uses the latest data from Child Care Aware® of America, comparing the average annual cost of infant care in center-based and family setups across states. We analyzed these costs against the median incomes of married couples and single parents, ranking states based on the percentage of income spent on child care. Our scoring system equally weighs these factors to provide a clear picture of childcare affordability.
Key Findings
- Most and Least Expensive States: New York, Massachusetts, and Colorado are the most expensive states for child care in 2024, while South Dakota, Georgia, and Mississippi are the most affordable.
- Average Child Care Costs: On average, Americans spend $13,267 annually on center-based infant care and $9,547 on family child care settings. Nationally, family care is 28% cheaper than center-based care.
- Married Couples’ Income Allocation: It would take 12% of a married couple’s median income to afford the national average cost of center-based care, and 9% for family child care.
- Single Parents’ Income Allocation: For single parents, 40% of their median income would be needed to cover center-based care, while 29% would be required for family child care.
- Affordability Recommendation: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends child care costs stay under 7% of annual income. Only 12 states meet this for married couples using family care settings. For single parents, the lowest cost is still 19%.
States with the Most and Least Affordable Child Care (Map)
The Most and Least Affordable States for Child Care (Data Table)
States Meeting the 7% Child Care Cost Recommendation
The chart below shows the states where child care costs for married couples meet the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' recommendation that it should not exceed 7% of a family's annual income.
Married couples in these states can manage to stay within the recommended limit if they opt for family child care for infants. However, for single parents, the situation is much more challenging, with the lowest cost still being 19% of their income for a family child care setting.
| State | Married Couple's Median Income | % of Income Spent on Family Infant Care |
| South Dakota | $100,960.00 | 6% |
| Missouri | $102,117.00 | 6% |
| Louisiana | $102,719.00 | 7% |
| Mississippi | $89,090.00 | 7% |
| West Virginia | $87,552.00 | 7% |
| Georgia | $104,405.00 | 7% |
| South Carolina | $98,501.00 | 7% |
| Minnesota | $127,103.00 | 7% |
| North Dakota | $114,444.00 | 7% |
| Iowa | $106,865.00 | 7% |
| Nebraska | $105,802.00 | 7% |
| New Jersey | $144,877.00 | 7% |
Most Expensive States for Child Care in 2024
#1. New York:
New York ranks as the most expensive state for child care in 2024. On average, families in New York can expect to pay $21,826 annually for center-based care for an infant. Family child care, where care is provided in a home-based setting, costs slightly less at $18,200 annually.
For married couples in New York, child care costs represent a significant portion of their household income. If they opt for center-based care, they would need to spend 18% of their median income on child care. If they choose family child care, they would spend 15% of their income.
The situation is even more challenging for single parents. Center-based child care would take up a staggering 63% of a single parent's median income. Family child care is slightly more affordable but still consumes 53% of their income.
Key Numbers:
| Married Couple | Single Parent | |
| Median Income | $122,255 | $34,474 |
| Annual Center Care Cost | $21,826 | $21,826 |
| Annual Family Care Cost | $18,200 | $18,200 |
| % of Income Needed for Center Care | 18% | 63% |
| % of Income Needed for Family Care | 15% | 53% |
#2. Massachusetts
Massachusetts ranks as the second most expensive state for child care in 2024. The average annual cost for center-based care for an infant in the state is $24,472, making it the highest center care cost in our study. Family child care, a home-based option, costs $14,873 annually, which is notably less expensive than center care.
For married couples in Massachusetts, center-based care demands 16% of their median income, while family child care would use 10% of their income.
Single parents in Massachusetts face a heavier burden. They would need to spend 65% of their income on center-based child care, while family child care would take up 39% of their income.
Key Numbers:
| Married Couple | Single Parent | |
| Median Income | $154,325 | $37,877 |
| Annual Center Care Cost | $24,472 | $24,472 |
| Annual Family Care Cost | $14,873 | $14,873 |
| % of Income Needed for Center Care | 16% | 65% |
| % of Income Needed for Family Care | 10% | 39% |
#3. Colorado
Colorado ranks third in the list of most expensive states for child care in 2024. The average annual cost for center-based care for an infant is $19,573, while family child care costs $12,750 annually, making it a slightly more affordable option.
For married couples in Colorado, center-based care would require 16% of their income, and family child care would take up 11% of their income.
Single parents in Colorado face significant financial strain, as 49% of their income would be needed for center-based child care. Family child care is somewhat more manageable, using 32% of their income.
Key Numbers:
| Married Couple | Single Parent | |
| Median Income | $119,080 | $39,633 |
| Annual Center Care Cost | $19,573 | $19,573 |
| Annual Family Care Cost | $12,750 | $12,750 |
| % of Income Needed for Center Care | 16% | 49% |
| % of Income Needed for Family Care | 11% | 32% |
#4. New Mexico
New Mexico ranks as the fourth most expensive state for child care in 2024. The average annual cost for center-based care for an infant is $12,024, and family child care costs $10,284 annually, making family care slightly more affordable.
For married couples in New Mexico, center-based care would require 14% of their median income, while family child care would take up 12%.
Single parents, on the other hand, face a more significant financial burden. 43% of their income would be spent on center-based child care, while family child care would use 37% of their income.
Key Numbers:
| Married Couple | Single Parent | |
| Median Income | $87,142 | $27,698 |
| Annual Center Care Cost | $12,024 | $12,024 |
| Annual Family Care Cost | $10,284 | $10,284 |
| % of Income Needed for Center Care | 14% | 43% |
| % of Income Needed for Family Care | 12% | 37% |
#5. California
California ranks as the fifth most expensive state for child care in 2024. The average annual cost for center-based care for an infant is $18,201, while family child care is more affordable at $12,268 annually.
For married couples in California, center-based care would require 15% of their median income, while family child care would take up 10%.
For single parents, the financial burden is heavier. Center-based child care would use 48% of a single parent's income, and family child care would require 33% of their income.
Key Numbers:
| Married Couple | Single Parent | |
| Median Income | $117,917 | $37,644 |
| Annual Center Care Cost | $18,201 | $18,201 |
| Annual Family Care Cost | $12,268 | $12,268 |
| % of Income Needed for Center Care | 15% | 48% |
| % of Income Needed for Family Care | 10% | 33% |
#6. Hawaii
Hawaii ranks as the sixth most expensive state for child care in 2024, and the cost gap between center-based and family care is particularly striking. Parents in Hawaii pay an average of $20,647 per year for center-based infant care, making it one of the highest in the country. On the other hand, family child care is significantly lower, averaging $10,369 annually—almost half the cost of center-based care.
For married couples, this cost difference can make a huge impact. Opting for center-based care would mean spending 18% of their income, while choosing family child care would reduce that to just 9%.
For single parents, the financial gap is even more critical. If they choose center-based care, they would need to allocate a whopping 52% of their income, compared to 26% for family child care. The cost savings in family care can make a substantial difference for single parents struggling to balance household expenses.
Key Numbers:
| Married Couple | Single Parent | |
| Median Income | $116,051 | $39,573 |
| Annual Center Care Cost | $20,647 | $20,647 |
| Annual Family Care Cost | $10,369 | $10,369 |
| % of Income Needed for Center Care | 18% | 52% |
| % of Income Needed for Family Care | 9% | 26% |
#7. Rhode Island
Rhode Island takes the seventh spot in our ranking of the most expensive states for child care in 2024. On average, parents here pay $15,028 annually for center-based infant care. Family child care, which offers a more home-based environment, costs $13,000 per year. Though the difference isn't as large as in some other states, family care still provides a modest cost saving.
For married couples in Rhode Island, center-based care accounts for 13% of their income, while family child care takes up 11%.
For single parents, however, the costs are much more burdensome. Center-based child care requires 42% of their income, and family care uses 36%. Though family child care is slightly more affordable, it still leaves single parents with a significant financial strain.
Key Numbers:
| Married Couple | Single Parent | |
| Median Income | $116,567 | $35,658 |
| Annual Center Care Cost | $15,028 | $15,028 |
| Annual Family Care Cost | $13,000 | $13,000 |
| % of Income Needed for Center Care | 13% | 42% |
| % of Income Needed for Family Care | 11% | 36% |
#8. Washington
Washington ranks as the eighth most expensive state for child care in 2024. The average annual cost for center-based infant care in the state is $16,380, while family child care is lower, costing $12,672 per year. Although family care is more affordable, the difference of nearly $4,000 can still make a significant financial impact on families.
For married couples in Washington, center-based care requires 13% of their income, whereas family child care demands 10%.
For single parents, the financial strain is much greater. Center-based care consumes 44% of their income, while family care uses 34%.
Key Numbers:
| Married Couple | Single Parent | |
| Median Income | $121,986 | $37,280 |
| Annual Center Care Cost | $16,380 | $16,380 |
| Annual Family Care Cost | $12,672 | $12,672 |
| % of Income Needed for Center Care | 13% | 44% |
| % of Income Needed for Family Care | 10% | 34% |
#9. Nevada
Nevada ranks ninth in child care costs for 2024. Parents in the state can expect to pay an average of $13,383 annually for center-based infant care. Family child care offers a more affordable alternative at $10,362 per year.
For married couples in Nevada, child care takes up a notable part of their household budget. They would need to allocate 14% of their income for center-based care and 11% for family care.
Single parents in Nevada face even more financial pressure. Center-based care consumes 37% of their income, while family care takes 29%. Though family care is less costly, both options significantly impact a single parent's budget.
Key Numbers:
| Married Couple | Single Parent | |
| Median Income | $95,423 | $36,165 |
| Annual Center Care Cost | $13,383 | $13,383 |
| Annual Family Care Cost | $10,362 | $10,362 |
| % of Income Needed for Center Care | 14% | 37% |
| % of Income Needed for Family Care | 11% | 29% |
#10. Connecticut
Connecticut rounds out the top 10 most expensive states for child care in 2024. On average, parents in the state pay $16,588 annually for center-based infant care, while family child care costs $12,792 per year.
For married couples in Connecticut, center-based care would consume 12% of their income, with family child care slightly less demanding at 9%.
Single parents in Connecticut face a more significant financial burden, with 45% of their income going toward center-based care, and 35% being spent on family care. Even with family care being a more affordable option, child care still takes a substantial portion of their income.
Key Numbers:
| Married Couple | Single Parent | |
| Median Income | $140,194 | $36,985 |
| Annual Center Care Cost | $16,588 | $16,588 |
| Annual Family Care Cost | $12,792 | $12,792 |
| % of Income Needed for Center Care | 12% | 45% |
| % of Income Needed for Family Care | 9% | 35% |
Most Affordable States for Child Care in 2024
#1. South Dakota
South Dakota ranks as the most affordable state for child care in 2024. The average annual cost for center-based infant care is $7,862, while family child care is even lower at $5,824. This makes South Dakota one of the least expensive states for both types of child care.
For married couples in South Dakota, these costs account for 8% of their income for center-based care and only 6% for family child care, offering considerable financial relief compared to other states.
For single parents, child care still represents a substantial part of their budget. Center-based care consumes 25% of a single parent's income, while family care takes up 19%. Though these percentages are lower than in other states, they still reflect the financial challenge of child care for single parents.
Key Numbers:
| Married Couple | Single Parent | |
| Median Income | $100,960 | $31,379 |
| Annual Center Care Cost | $7,862 | $7,862 |
| Annual Family Care Cost | $5,824 | $5,824 |
| % of Income Needed for Center Care | 8% | 25% |
| % of Income Needed for Family Care | 6% | 19% |
#2. Georgia
Georgia ranks as the second most affordable state for child care in 2024. The average annual cost for center-based infant care is $9,227, while family child care comes in lower at $7,284. Though both costs are slightly higher than in South Dakota, they are still significantly more affordable than in most states.
For married couples in Georgia, child care costs represent 9% of their income for center-based care and 7% for family care. This provides some financial flexibility, particularly for those opting for family-based care.
Single parents, however, face a larger financial burden. Center-based care requires 29% of a single parent's income, while family care uses 23%. Although these percentages are relatively high, Georgia remains more affordable compared to many other states.
Key Numbers:
| Married Couple | Single Parent | |
| Median Income | $104,405 | $31,666 |
| Annual Center Care Cost | $9,227 | $9,227 |
| Annual Family Care Cost | $7,284 | $7,284 |
| % of Income Needed for Center Care | 9% | 29% |
| % of Income Needed for Family Care | 7% | 23% |
#3. Mississippi
Mississippi ranks as the third most affordable state for child care in 2024. The average annual cost for center-based infant care is $7,280, one of the lowest in the country, while family child care costs $5,980 per year.
For married couples in Mississippi, these costs are quite manageable. Center-based care requires just 8% of their income, while family care takes up only 7%.
Single parents, however, experience a more significant impact. Center-based care consumes 31% of their income, while family care uses 26%. While still a heavy financial burden for single parents, Mississippi remains one of the most affordable states in terms of child care costs.
Key Numbers:
| Married Couple | Single Parent | |
| Median Income | $89,090 | $23,376 |
| Annual Center Care Cost | $7,280 | $7,280 |
| Annual Family Care Cost | $5,980 | $5,980 |
| % of Income Needed for Center Care | 8% | 31% |
| % of Income Needed for Family Care | 7% | 26% |
#4. North Dakota
In North Dakota, child care remains relatively affordable, with an average annual cost of $9,984 for center-based infant care. Family child care is a bit easier on the wallet, averaging $8,240 per year.
For married couples, these costs translate to 9% of their income for center-based care and 7% for family care, making child care fairly manageable.
Single parents, however, feel a more noticeable impact. While center-based care takes up 30% of their income, family child care is slightly more affordable, consuming 25%. Even with these lower costs, child care still represents a significant expense for single-parent households.
Key Numbers:
| Married Couple | Single Parent | |
| Median Income | $114,444 | $33,271 |
| Annual Center Care Cost | $9,984 | $9,984 |
| Annual Family Care Cost | $8,240 | $8,240 |
| % of Income Needed for Center Care | 9% | 30% |
| % of Income Needed for Family Care | 7% | 25% |
#5. South Carolina
South Carolina ranks as one of the more affordable states for child care, with annual center-based infant care costing around $9,048. Family child care provides a slightly cheaper alternative at $6,890 per year.
For married couples, the financial burden is moderate. Center-based care takes up 9% of their income, and family care requires 7%, making both options relatively feasible for most families.
Single parents in South Carolina, however, face a tougher financial situation. Center-based care consumes 32% of their income, while family care still requires 24%, leaving a sizable dent in their household budgets.
Key Numbers:
| Married Couple | Single Parent | |
| Median Income | $98,501 | $28,532 |
| Annual Center Care Cost | $9,048 | $9,048 |
| Annual Family Care Cost | $6,890 | $6,890 |
| % of Income Needed for Center Care | 9% | 32% |
| % of Income Needed for Family Care | 7% | 24% |
#6. Arkansas
Arkansas ranks among the more affordable states for child care in 2024. Parents here can expect to pay $8,021 annually for center-based infant care, while family child care is more budget-friendly at $6,577 per year.
For married couples, center-based care requires 9% of their income, while family child care takes 8%. These figures show that Arkansas provides a reasonable balance for families in need of child care services.
For single parents, the costs are a bit more challenging. Center-based care consumes 29% of their income, while family care is slightly less burdensome at 24%. Despite being relatively affordable, child care still takes up a significant portion of income for single-parent households.
Key Numbers:
| Married Couple | Single Parent | |
| Median Income | $87,059 | $27,325 |
| Annual Center Care Cost | $8,021 | $8,021 |
| Annual Family Care Cost | $6,577 | $6,577 |
| % of Income Needed for Center Care | 9% | 29% |
| % of Income Needed for Family Care | 8% | 24% |
#7. Missouri
Missouri ranks as the 44th most affordable state for child care. Parents pay around $11,059 annually for center-based infant care, while family child care costs an average of $6,297 per year, offering significant savings for those choosing family-based care.
For married couples, center-based care takes up 11% of their income, while family child care consumes 6%, offering a more budget-friendly option.
Single parents in Missouri face a tougher challenge, with 35% of their income going to center-based care and 20% to family child care. The gap between the two options offers a clear financial advantage for those opting for family care.
Key Numbers:
| Married Couple | Single Parent | |
| Median Income | $102,117 | $31,276 |
| Annual Center Care Cost | $11,059 | $11,059 |
| Annual Family Care Cost | $6,297 | $6,297 |
| % of Income Needed for Center Care | 11% | 35% |
| % of Income Needed for Family Care | 6% | 20% |
#8. West Virginia
West Virginia ranks as one of the more affordable states for child care in 2024. The average annual cost for center-based infant care is $7,680, while family child care is more economical at $6,000 per year.
For married couples, these costs translate to 9% of their income for center-based care and 7% for family care. This keeps child care costs relatively manageable compared to many other states.
Single parents, however, face a more considerable financial strain. Center-based care takes up 33% of their income, while family care consumes 26%. Although more affordable than in other states, child care remains a substantial expense for single-parent households.
Key Numbers:
| Married Couple | Single Parent | |
| Median Income | $87,552 | $22,996 |
| Annual Center Care Cost | $7,680 | $7,680 |
| Annual Family Care Cost | $6,000 | $6,000 |
| % of Income Needed for Center Care | 9% | 33% |
| % of Income Needed for Family Care | 7% | 26% |
#9. Louisiana
In Louisiana, child care remains relatively affordable. The average annual cost for center-based infant care is $8,580, and family child care costs a bit less at $6,825 per year.
For married couples, child care costs are manageable, with 8% of their income going toward center-based care and 7% allocated for family care.
Single parents in Louisiana, however, experience more pressure on their finances. Center-based care takes up 35% of a single parent's income, while family care requires 28%. While family care is a more affordable option, it still represents a significant portion of income for single parents.
Key Numbers:
| Married Couple | Single Parent | |
| Median Income | $102,719 | $24,533 |
| Annual Center Care Cost | $8,580 | $8,580 |
| Annual Family Care Cost | $6,825 | $6,825 |
| % of Income Needed for Center Care | 8% | 35% |
| % of Income Needed for Family Care | 7% | 28% |
#10. Alabama
Alabama ranks as the 41st most affordable state for child care in 2024. The average annual cost for center-based infant care is $7,800, while family child care costs slightly less at $7,280 per year. The relatively small difference between these two options makes either a feasible choice for many families.
For married couples in Alabama, child care costs remain manageable, with 8% of their income going toward either center-based or family care. The minimal difference between the two provides flexibility for families.
Single parents, however, face more of a financial challenge. Center-based care consumes 31% of their income, while family care takes 29%. Although both options are more affordable than in many other states, child care still places a significant burden on single-parent households.
Key Numbers:
| Married Couple | Single Parent | |
| Median Income | $96,654 | $25,194 |
| Annual Center Care Cost | $7,800 | $7,800 |
| Annual Family Care Cost | $7,280 | $7,280 |
| % of Income Needed for Center Care | 8% | 31% |
| % of Income Needed for Family Care | 8% | 29% |
Methodology
To determine the most and least expensive states for child care, we conducted a comprehensive analysis using data from Child Care Aware® of America, 2022 (the latest available data). Our analysis covered all 50 U.S. states.
The objective of the study was to rank the most expensive and least expensive states for child care in the United States, offering a holistic view of the financial burden on families across different child care setups.
Data Sources:
We used the average annual cost of infant care in both center-based care and family child care setups by state.
We also included data on yearly median family income for married couples and single parents by state.
Key Indicators:
From these datasets, we derived four key indicators to assess the affordability of child care:
- % of a married couple's income needed for center-based child care
- % of a married couple's income needed for family child care
- % of a single parent's income needed for center-based child care
- % of a single parent's income needed for family child care
Scoring and Ranking:
We ranked the states based on a final score out of 100, where a higher score indicated a more expensive state for child care and a lower score indicated a more affordable state.
The total score was calculated using weighted scoring of the four key indicators mentioned above.
- Each indicator was assigned an equal 25% weight in the final score.
- This weighting system ensures that the analysis reflects the affordability of child care for both married couples and single parents.