Patch's Poll: How Much Does It Cost To Raise Your Child?
Does $234,000 over 17 years sound about right? Because that’s the latest estimate the federal government is giving for the cost of raising a child born in 2011.
Raising a child is no financial breeze, according to the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture report. A middle-income family with a child born in 2011 can expect to spend about $234,900 for food, shelter, and other necessities to raise that child until he or she is 17 years old, the USDA said. According to the USDA’s latest annual report, the most recent cost estimates represent a 3.5 percent increase from the 2010 cost of raising a child. But, it’s not the same cost for everyone. Here’s a breakdown: Note: The figures are in 2011 dollar amounts. The USDA said the biggest expense hikes come in the form of transportation, childcare, education and food. The report is based on the federal government’s consumer expenditure survey. “For the …
filthy rag
12:36 pm on Saturday, June 23, 2012
they are attributing housing and utility costs to the cost of raising a child, but the parents are going to pay these costs with or without a child. more ›