Childcare Now Costs More Than Rent in All 50 States, Report Finds
Category: US News / Economy | Date: October 21, 2026 Sources: CBS News | Child Care Aware of America Childcare costs in the United States have reached a breaking point: the average cost of care for two children now exceeds the average rent in all 50 states — and surpasses the average mortgage payment in 45 states, according to a report from the nonprofit Child Care Aware of America. The findings underscore a deepening affordability crisis that is reshaping how American families work, spend, and plan their futures. The Numbers Average full-time childcare: ~$13,000 per year, per child Rising faster than inflation in 39 states Exceeds average rent in all 50 states In San Francisco County: center-based infant care costs $31,544/year vs. ~$29,028 in annual rent "Child care has been under-resourced for decades, contributing to the current inadequate supply of high-quality programs and a situation where too many families are priced out of the system," the Child Care Aware re...