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Get the Facts: Which states top childcare cost rankings?
Childcare costs rose 5.2% in a year, and Hawaii ranked highest as families nationwide paid about 15% of median income.
- Hawaii leads the nation in childcare costs, with families spending 21.9% of their median income on care, while nationwide costs surged 5.2% between September 2024 and September 2025, according to the Bank of America Institute.
- Childcare is considered affordable at 7% of household income, yet national center-based care averages about 15% of median family income. Federal data shows parents frequently spend between 8% and 16% of earnings on childcare.
- Nationwide, center-based infant care averages nearly $1,300 monthly, or about $15,500 annually. In New Hampshire, families with two children paid $32,000 in 2023, consuming 28% of their median family income.
- Access remains a critical barrier in Florida's 21st congressional district, where parents face commutes of 45 to 50 minutes. Facilities report over 100 children on waitlists despite having only 9 classrooms.
- Various regions are implementing relief measures: New Mexico launched universal childcare for children up to 13 years old last year. New York City plans 2-year-old programs this fall, while San Francisco raised income limits for assistance.
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Leaning Left0Leaning Right0Center20Last UpdatedBias Distribution100% Center
Bias Distribution
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