Every US state ranked by the cost of raising a child, from least to most expensive

A LendingTree study found that, on average, it costs $303,418 to raise a child over 18 years.

Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock

• A LendingTree study looked at the average annual cost of raising a small child in each US state.
• Hawaii was ranked the most expensive state to raise a child in 2026.
• On average, parents in the US spend 21.9% of their income on child-rearing costs each year.

As you write your Mother's Day card this year, you may want to add one more thank you...