The High Cost of Child Care in the U.S.

The cost of child care in the U.S. has become a significant financial burden for many families, often exceeding the cost of housing or even college tuition. According to recent data, families spent an average of $15,600 per year on full-day care per child in 2022, with costs reaching as high as $31,544 annually for families with infants. This surpasses the median U.S. rent of $15,216 in the same year, and some families are spending as much as 30% of their annual earnings on child care.

The high cost of child care has a disproportionate impact on low-income families and families of color. Black children under the age of five are the demographic group most likely to face eviction, often due to the high cost of child care. Families with infants and those living in more populous counties also face higher child care costs.

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the existing shortage of child care workers, leading to higher costs and reduced availability. While federal pandemic aid helped to stabilize costs, more investment is needed to ensure that child care is accessible and affordable for all families.

The high cost of child care has a significant impact on families, forcing many parents to make difficult choices between work and childcare. It also contributes to the gender pay gap, as women are more likely to take time off work or reduce their hours to care for children. Addressing the child care crisis is essential for supporting families, promoting gender equality, and ensuring that all children have the opportunity to thrive.