What Does It Cost to Bear a Child in 2025
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the average cost of raising a child from birth through age 17 in a middle-income household is approximately $233,610, not including college, with housing, childcare, and food representing the largest shares of the budget USDA data on child-rearing costs.
Childbirth-related medical expenses in the United States average roughly $18,865 for an uncomplicated vaginal delivery and $28,000 or more for a cesarean section, based on recent analyses of employer-sponsored health plans and hospital charge data Health Affairs research on maternal care costs.
Fertility Treatments and Assisted Reproduction Costs
In Vitro Fertilization and Other ART Expenses
A single cycle of in vitro fertilization in the United States costs an average of $12,000 to $15,000 for medications and procedures alone, and this can rise to $25,000 or more when including genetic testing of embryos and donor eggs or sperm ASRM patient fact sheet on ART.
Insurance Coverage and Employer Benefits
As of 2024, at least 20 states have laws requiring insurers to either cover or offer coverage for fertility treatments, and companies including Tesla, Netflix, and Capgemini provide annual fertility benefits that can cover up to $20,000 to $100,000 in treatment costs Forbes coverage of employer fertility benefits trends.
Financial Planning Strategies for Prospective Parents
Building a Child-Rearing Budget and Emergency Fund
Financial planners recommend setting aside three to six months of living expenses in a liquid emergency fund before trying to bear a child, and using a dedicated high-yield savings account to earmark funds for medical deductibles, childcare, and maternity or paternity leave gaps.
Tax Credits, 529 Plans, and Long-Term Savings
The Child Tax Credit provided up to $2,000 per qualifying child in recent tax years, and contributions to a 529 college savings plan can grow tax-free for qualified education expenses; parents can open accounts through major brokerages and state programs, with many states offering full or partial tax deductions on contributions IRS guidance on the Child Tax Credit.