Everything you need to know about the cost of raising a child — based on real data from 80+ global cities.
It ranges from about $75,000 USD in low-cost cities to $380,000 USD in expensive ones like New York. Across major global cities the moderate-lifestyle cost averages roughly $200,000 USD per child with public education.
Housing is typically the largest category (18%–30% of total), driven by the need for extra bedroom space. Education is second (12%–22%), followed by food (15%–24%).
Use our calculator: pick your city, number of children (1–3), lifestyle (economic/moderate/premium), and education type (public/private), then optionally include university. It breaks the total into 8 categories and 5 age phases.
Yes. Economies of scale apply: 2 children cost ≈1.7× (≈15% per-child saving) and 3 children ≈2.3× (≈23% saving). Savings come from shared bedrooms, hand-me-downs, sibling discounts, and bulk buying.
Private/international schooling adds a region-specific premium — roughly 35%–75% of the base cost depending on country (highest in the Gulf and Singapore). Public schooling is included in the base estimate.
No. University (age 18–22) is a separate optional add-on, ranging from ~$10,000 USD (Germany, free public) to $160,000+ USD (USA public) or $300,000+ (US private elite).
Our figures are independent modeled estimates. We benchmark against public cost-of-living research and national household-expenditure surveys (USDA ERS, BLS, ONS, Japan Cabinet Office, China NBS, Numbeo, OECD), listed as reference frameworks on our <a href="/sources/">Sources page</a>. We are not affiliated with those organizations, and our numbers are our own estimates rather than their data.
They are structured planning ranges based on aggregated government and cost-of-living data. Actual costs vary by 10–30% with individual circumstances, neighborhood, and spending habits.
80+ cities across 20 countries, including Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen (China); New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles (USA); Tokyo, Osaka (Japan); London, Manchester (UK); Berlin, Munich (Germany); Singapore; Sydney, Melbourne (Australia); Toronto, Vancouver (Canada); and more.
Quarterly — with the latest exchange rates, housing indices, and policy changes. Current figures reflect 2026 estimates as of July 2026.
They vary by country: USA Child Tax Credit ($2,000/child/year), UK Child Benefit + 30 hours free childcare, Japan Children's Allowance + free healthcare, Singapore Baby Bonus + CDA matching, China tax deductions + maternity insurance.
Yes. The calculator includes a city-comparison feature with analysis of the key cost drivers and relocation advice.
Get a personalized estimate for your city and family situation.
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