Infant care costs at least 10% of a family’s annual income in nearly all states [Video]

A new report finds that child care costs for full-time center-based care for one infant costs at least 10% of a median family’s annual income in nearly every state, according to a study by Bankrate.

Child care has become one of the biggest expenses in household budgets around the U.S., with infant care costs topping 10% of the median family income in 48 states and the District of Columbia in 2023, Bankrate found.

“Child care is an enormous expense for families no matter where they live in the country,” said Bankrate analyst Alex Gailey. “That makes budgeting and family financial planning all the more important. In addition to meticulous budgeting and tracking monthly expenses, families should check with their county or state offices for family services to get educated on what services, tax breaks or financing opportunities are available for child care.”

New Mexico was the state where infant care was the least affordable, costing 20.5% of the median family …