Here’s How Much Child Care Costs Parents in Michigan
One of the most expensive decisions you can make in life is choosing to have a child or children as for at least 18 years, you're responsible for them financially. Most parents know that you may not be responsible anymore, but children don't stop asking for money at 18, they stay in your pockets forever. Although children can be a burden on your wallet, they are blessings to life.
One of the important things that many parents can't afford to go without is childcare which can be one of the most expensive bills for a parent. Some parents are lucky enough to be stay at home parents or to have family members or friends that can provide childcare, but for others they must look for and pay a daycare or childcare provider of some sort while they are busy.
Over the last 5-10 years, childcare costs have continued to rise putting a strain on parents and the luxuries they are able to afford. The national average gas risen almost 4% since 2022 and doesn't look to be slowing down anytime soon. Childcare costs do vary by the number of children you have and the age of your children but infants from 0-1 years old are the most expensive. Here's how Michigan childcare costs compares to the national average and other states around the country.
In Michigan, it costs just under $13,000 for a year of childcare for an infant between the ages of 0 and 1 years old. This is the 28th most expensive or the 22nd cheapest costs of childcare in the country, it just depends on how you want to look at it. This would be 11% of a married couple's income here in the Mitten State, which doesn't seem significant but that adds up quickly.
Read More: Are Michigan and Indiana the Most Affordable States to Have Dogs?
I'm not saying that you shouldn't have children because I believe children are blessings to the world that give us hope but I am saying that you should be prepared for your bundle of joy. Taking care of a child can be very expensive and childcare is one of the most expensive costs you will have!
Average Cost of Daycare in Montana & Surrounding States
Gallery Credit: Chris Cardenas