The real cost of raising a family across 50 major metros
The real cost of raising a family across 50 major metros
Fending for yourself in the United States is tough enough, but raising a family is a whole different challenge with a separate set of expenses. If you're thinking about adding another branch to your family tree, it's important to know that where you live has a lot to do with what you'll spend.
Using data from the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), Stacker ranked America's 50 largest metro areas in terms of the true cost of raising a family in order of least expensive to most. The March 2018 rankings are based on the EPI’s estimated total monthly cost for a family of two adults and two children to attain a modest, yet adequate, standard of living. Budgets below are in 2017 dollars, according to the EPI.
The EPI’s monthly estimate includes seven costs: health care, child care, food, housing, transportation, taxes, and other necessities. EPI’s family budget calculator pulls cost estimates from government sources, like the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Health and Human Services. EPI also uses data from research organizations like Child Care Aware of America.
#50. Memphis, TN
Annual total expenses: $71,800 (17.7% below the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $5,983
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $833 (29.1% below the 50 metro average)
Food: $747 (4.8% below the 50 metro average)
Child care: $918 (32.0% below the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,125 (1.6% below the 50 metro average)
Health care: $1,125 (9.4% above the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $637 (19.4% below the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $599 (39.7% below the 50 metro average)
#49. Cleveland, OH
Annual total expenses: $72,220 (17.2% below the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $6,018
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $785 (33.2% below the 50 metro average)
Food: $759 (3.3% below the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,147 (15.1% below the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,142 (0.1% below the 50 metro average)
Health care: $878 (14.6% below the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $623 (21.2% below the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $686 (31.0% below the 50 metro average)
#48. San Antonio, TX
Annual total expenses: $72,291 (17.1% below the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $6,024
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $1,001 (14.8% below the 50 metro average)
Food: $674 (14.1% below the 50 metro average)
Child care: $984 (27.2% below the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,135 (0.7% below the 50 metro average)
Health care: $974 (5.3% below the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $676 (14.5% below the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $580 (41.6% below the 50 metro average)
#47. Jacksonville, FL
Annual total expenses: $74,437 (14.6% below the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $6,203
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $947 (19.4% below the 50 metro average)
Food: $817 (4.1% above the 50 metro average)
Child care: $948 (29.8% below the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,137 (0.6% below the 50 metro average)
Health care: $1,027 (0.1% below the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $712 (10.0% below the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $615 (38.1% below the 50 metro average)
#46. Houston, TX
Annual total expenses: $74,718 (14.3% below the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $6,226
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $1,066 (9.3% below the 50 metro average)
Food: $718 (8.5% below the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,044 (22.7% below the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,125 (1.6% below the 50 metro average)
Health care: $935 (9.1% below the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $720 (9.0% below the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $620 (37.6% below the 50 metro average)
#45. Louisville, KY
Annual total expenses: $75,400 (13.5% below the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $6,283
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $821 (30.1% below the 50 metro average)
Food: $725 (7.6% below the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,301 (3.7% below the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,153 (0.8% above the 50 metro average)
Health care: $814 (20.8% below the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $624 (21.1% below the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $845 (15.0% below the 50 metro average)
#44. Cincinnati, OH
Annual total expenses: $75,414 (13.5% below the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $6,284
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $845 (28.1% below the 50 metro average)
Food: $724 (7.7% below the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,259 (6.8% below the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,172 (2.5% above the 50 metro average)
Health care: $882 (14.2% below the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $633 (20.0% below the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $769 (22.6% below the 50 metro average)
#43. Dallas, TX
Annual total expenses: $75,488 (13.4% below the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $6,291
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $1,077 (8.4% below the 50 metro average)
Food: $723 (7.9% below the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,044 (22.7% below the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,115 (2.5% below the 50 metro average)
Health care: $973 (5.4% below the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $726 (8.2% below the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $632 (36.4% below the 50 metro average)
#42. New Orleans, LA
Annual total expenses: $76,213 (12.6% below the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $6,351
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $996 (15.3% below the 50 metro average)
Food: $806 (2.7% above the 50 metro average)
Child care: $840 (37.8% below the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,101 (3.7% below the 50 metro average)
Health care: $1,093 (6.3% above the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $727 (8.1% below the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $787 (20.8% below the 50 metro average)
#41. Tampa, FL
Annual total expenses: $77,064 (11.6% below the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $6,422
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $1,045 (11.1% below the 50 metro average)
Food: $809 (3.1% above the 50 metro average)
Child care: $978 (27.6% below the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,125 (1.6% below the 50 metro average)
Health care: $1,059 (3.0% above the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $748 (5.4% below the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $658 (33.8% below the 50 metro average)
#40. Las Vegas, NV
Annual total expenses: $77,068 (11.6% below the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $6,422
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $973 (17.2% below the 50 metro average)
Food: $777 (1.0% below the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,342 (0.7% below the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,110 (2.9% below the 50 metro average)
Health care: $855 (16.8% below the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $706 (10.7% below the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $660 (33.6% below the 50 metro average)
#39. Columbus, OH
Annual total expenses: $77,075 (11.6% below the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $6,423
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $910 (22.6% below the 50 metro average)
Food: $734 (6.5% below the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,240 (8.2% below the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,139 (0.4% below the 50 metro average)
Health care: $957 (6.9% below the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $663 (16.2% below the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $779 (21.6% below the 50 metro average)
#38. Riverside, CA
Annual total expenses: $78,336 (10.2% below the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $6,528
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $1,156 (1.6% below the 50 metro average)
Food: $757 (3.5% below the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,067 (21.0% below the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,250 (9.3% above the 50 metro average)
Health care: $802 (22.0% below the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $772 (2.4% below the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $724 (27.2% below the 50 metro average)
#37. Kansas City, MO
Annual total expenses: $78,407 (10.1% below the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $6,534
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $869 (26.1% below the 50 metro average)
Food: $747 (4.8% below the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,176 (12.9% below the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,173 (2.6% above the 50 metro average)
Health care: $1,059 (3.0% above the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $652 (17.5% below the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $859 (13.6% below the 50 metro average)
#36. Orlando, FL
Annual total expenses: $78,440 (10.0% below the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $6,537
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $1,096 (6.8% below the 50 metro average)
Food: $783 (0.2% below the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,004 (25.7% below the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,124 (1.7% below the 50 metro average)
Health care: $1,092 (6.2% above the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $758 (4.1% below the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $680 (31.6% below the 50 metro average)
#35. Atlanta, GA
Annual total expenses: $78,717 (9.7% below the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $6,560
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $1,031 (12.3% below the 50 metro average)
Food: $772 (1.6% below the 50 metro average)
Child care: $968 (28.3% below the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,159 (1.4% above the 50 metro average)
Health care: $1,010 (1.8% below the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $727 (8.1% below the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $893 (10.2% below the 50 metro average)
#34. Pittsburgh, PA
Annual total expenses: $78,769 (9.7% below the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $6,564
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $884 (24.8% below the 50 metro average)
Food: $751 (4.3% below the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,414 (4.7% above the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,173 (2.6% above the 50 metro average)
Health care: $832 (19.1% below the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $660 (16.5% below the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $850 (14.5% below the 50 metro average)
#33. St. Louis, MO
Annual total expenses: $79,010 (9.4% below the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $6,584
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $896 (23.8% below the 50 metro average)
Food: $744 (5.2% below the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,188 (12.1% below the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,178 (3.0% above the 50 metro average)
Health care: $1,034 (0.6% above the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $661 (16.4% below the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $882 (11.3% below the 50 metro average)
#32. Nashville, TN
Annual total expenses: $79,228 (9.2% below the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $6,602
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $1,002 (14.7% below the 50 metro average)
Food: $792 (0.9% above the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,052 (22.1% below the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,170 (2.3% above the 50 metro average)
Health care: $1,170 (13.8% above the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $724 (8.4% below the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $693 (30.3% below the 50 metro average)
#31. Detroit, MI
Annual total expenses: $79,308 (9.1% below the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $6,609
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $940 (20.0% below the 50 metro average)
Food: $739 (5.8% below the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,430 (5.9% above the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,141 (0.2% below the 50 metro average)
Health care: $806 (21.6% below the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $677 (14.4% below the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $876 (11.9% below the 50 metro average)
#30. Austin, TX
Annual total expenses: $80,776 (7.4% below the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $6,731
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $1,251 (6.4% above the 50 metro average)
Food: $738 (6.0% below the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,108 (18.0% below the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,150 (0.6% above the 50 metro average)
Health care: $964 (6.2% below the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $802 (1.4% above the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $718 (27.8% below the 50 metro average)
#29. Oklahoma City, OK
Annual total expenses: $81,552 (6.5% below the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $6,796
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $851 (27.6% below the 50 metro average)
Food: $743 (5.3% below the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,226 (9.2% below the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,182 (3.4% above the 50 metro average)
Health care: $1,244 (21.0% above the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $643 (18.7% below the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $906 (8.8% below the 50 metro average)
#28. Salt Lake City, UT
Annual total expenses: $81,578 (6.5% below the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $6,798
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $1,035 (11.9% below the 50 metro average)
Food: $726 (7.5% below the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,321 (2.2% below the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,148 (0.4% above the 50 metro average)
Health care: $906 (11.9% below the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $710 (10.2% below the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $952 (4.2% below the 50 metro average)
#27. Sacramento, CA
Annual total expenses: $81,937 (6.0% below the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $6,828
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $1,086 (7.6% below the 50 metro average)
Food: $826 (5.3% above the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,053 (22.0% below the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,214 (6.2% above the 50 metro average)
Health care: $1,079 (4.9% above the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $771 (2.5% below the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $799 (19.6% below the 50 metro average)
#26. Indianapolis, IN
Annual total expenses: $82,285 (5.6% below the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $6,857
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $852 (27.5% below the 50 metro average)
Food: $717 (8.6% below the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,572 (16.4% above the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,165 (1.9% above the 50 metro average)
Health care: $1,014 (1.4% below the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $633 (20.0% below the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $903 (9.1% below the 50 metro average)
#25. Birmingham, AL
Annual total expenses: $82,555 (5.3% below the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $6,880
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $882 (25.0% below the 50 metro average)
Food: $775 (1.2% below the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,175 (13.0% below the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,151 (0.7% above the 50 metro average)
Health care: $1,261 (22.6% above the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $669 (15.4% below the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $967 (2.7% below the 50 metro average)
#24. Milwaukee, WI
Annual total expenses: $82,877 (5.0% below the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $6,906
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $911 (22.5% below the 50 metro average)
Food: $709 (9.7% below the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,381 (2.2% above the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,099 (3.9% below the 50 metro average)
Health care: $1,200 (16.7% above the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $653 (17.4% below the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $953 (4.1% below the 50 metro average)
#23. Richmond, VA
Annual total expenses: $83,370 (4.4% below the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $6,947
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $1,042 (11.3% below the 50 metro average)
Food: $807 (2.8% above the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,272 (5.8% below the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,156 (1.1% above the 50 metro average)
Health care: $941 (8.5% below the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $746 (5.7% below the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $983 (1.1% below the 50 metro average)
#22. Providence, RI
Annual total expenses: $84,095 (3.6% below the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $7,008
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $1,014 (13.7% below the 50 metro average)
Food: $798 (1.7% above the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,659 (22.8% above the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,112 (2.8% below the 50 metro average)
Health care: $793 (22.9% below the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $731 (7.6% below the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $901 (9.3% below the 50 metro average)
#21. Miami, FL
Annual total expenses: $84,972 (2.6% below the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $7,081
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $1,351 (14.9% above the 50 metro average)
Food: $853 (8.7% above the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,123 (16.9% below the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,052 (8.0% below the 50 metro average)
Health care: $1,027 (0.1% below the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $889 (12.4% above the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $786 (20.9% below the 50 metro average)
#20. Virginia Beach-Norfolk, VA
Annual total expenses: $87,069 (0.2% below the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $7,256
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $1,095 (6.8% below the 50 metro average)
Food: $791 (0.8% above the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,323 (2.1% below the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,121 (2.0% below the 50 metro average)
Health care: $1,111 (8.1% above the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $761 (3.8% below the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $1,055 (6.1% above the 50 metro average)
#19. Buffalo, NY
Annual total expenses: $88,071 (1.0% above the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $7,339
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $799 (32.0% below the 50 metro average)
Food: $753 (4.0% below the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,946 (44.1% above the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,144 (0.0% above the 50 metro average)
Health care: $1,064 (3.5% above the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $626 (20.8% below the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $1,008 (1.4% above the 50 metro average)
#18. Chicago, IL
Annual total expenses: $88,536 (1.5% above the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $7,378
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $1,180 (0.4% above the 50 metro average)
Food: $739 (5.8% below the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,537 (13.8% above the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,054 (7.8% below the 50 metro average)
Health care: $1,053 (2.4% above the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $774 (2.1% below the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $1,042 (4.8% above the 50 metro average)
#17. Baltimore, MD
Annual total expenses: $88,536 (1.5% above the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $7,378
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $1,325 (12.7% above the 50 metro average)
Food: $799 (1.8% above the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,313 (2.8% below the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,142 (0.1% below the 50 metro average)
Health care: $901 (12.4% below the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $857 (8.4% above the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $1,041 (4.7% above the 50 metro average)
#16. Raleigh, NC
Annual total expenses: $89,271 (2.4% above the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $7,439
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $1,026 (12.7% below the 50 metro average)
Food: $787 (0.3% above the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,227 (9.2% below the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,201 (5.0% above the 50 metro average)
Health care: $1,353 (31.6% above the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $731 (7.6% below the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $1,114 (12.1% above the 50 metro average)
#15. Charlotte, NC
Annual total expenses: $89,330 (2.4% above the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $7,444
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $967 (17.7% below the 50 metro average)
Food: $762 (2.9% below the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,165 (13.8% below the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,171 (2.4% above the 50 metro average)
Health care: $1,575 (53.2% above the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $698 (11.7% below the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $1,107 (11.4% above the 50 metro average)
#14. Hartford, CT
Annual total expenses: $90,244 (3.5% above the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $7,520
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $1,158 (1.5% below the 50 metro average)
Food: $810 (3.2% above the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,389 (2.8% above the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,215 (6.3% above the 50 metro average)
Health care: $1,041 (1.2% above the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $794 (0.4% above the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $1,114 (12.1% above the 50 metro average)
#13. Phoenix, AZ
Annual total expenses: $91,024 (4.4% above the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $7,585
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $1,013 (13.8% below the 50 metro average)
Food: $748 (4.7% below the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,409 (4.3% above the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,154 (0.9% above the 50 metro average)
Health care: $1,531 (48.9% above the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $710 (10.2% below the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $1,020 (2.6% above the 50 metro average)
#12. Philadelphia, PA
Annual total expenses: $92,163 (5.7% above the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $7,680
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $1,182 (0.6% above the 50 metro average)
Food: $800 (1.9% above the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,574 (16.5% above the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,137 (0.6% below the 50 metro average)
Health care: $1,110 (8.0% above the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $800 (1.2% above the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $1,077 (8.4% above the 50 metro average)
#11. Los Angeles, CA
Annual total expenses: $92,295 (5.8% above the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $7,691
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $1,663 (41.5% above the 50 metro average)
Food: $830 (5.8% above the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,223 (9.5% below the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,159 (1.4% above the 50 metro average)
Health care: $795 (22.7% below the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $1,006 (27.2% above the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $1,016 (2.2% above the 50 metro average)
#10. Portland, OR
Annual total expenses: $96,047 (10.1% above the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $8,004
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $1,330 (13.2% above the 50 metro average)
Food: $791 (0.8% above the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,653 (22.4% above the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,170 (2.3% above the 50 metro average)
Health care: $906 (11.9% below the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $856 (8.2% above the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $1,298 (30.6% above the 50 metro average)
#9. Seattle, WA
Annual total expenses: $97,142 (11.4% above the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $8,095
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $1,527 (29.9% above the 50 metro average)
Food: $854 (8.8% above the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,691 (25.2% above the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,230 (7.6% above the 50 metro average)
Health care: $849 (17.4% below the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $961 (21.5% above the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $984 (1.0% below the 50 metro average)
#8. San Diego, CA
Annual total expenses: $97,547 (11.9% above the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $8,129
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $1,682 (43.1% above the 50 metro average)
Food: $847 (7.9% above the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,281 (5.2% below the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,249 (9.2% above the 50 metro average)
Health care: $903 (12.2% below the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $1,021 (29.1% above the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $1,146 (15.3% above the 50 metro average)
#7. Denver, CO
Annual total expenses: $98,187 (12.6% above the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $8,182
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $1,418 (20.6% above the 50 metro average)
Food: $805 (2.6% above the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,682 (24.5% above the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,208 (5.6% above the 50 metro average)
Health care: $966 (6.1% below the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $897 (13.4% above the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $1,208 (21.5% above the 50 metro average)
#6. Minneapolis, MN
Annual total expenses: $98,675 (13.2% above the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $8,223
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $1,089 (7.3% below the 50 metro average)
Food: $795 (1.3% above the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,845 (36.6% above the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,207 (5.6% above the 50 metro average)
Health care: $1,255 (22.1% above the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $760 (3.9% below the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $1,271 (27.9% above the 50 metro average)
#5. Washington, DC
Annual total expenses: $105,539 (21.0% above the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $8,795
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $1,693 (44.0% above the 50 metro average)
Food: $858 (9.3% above the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,762 (30.4% above the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,115 (2.5% below the 50 metro average)
Health care: $926 (9.9% below the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $1,029 (30.1% above the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $1,412 (42.1% above the 50 metro average)
#4. Boston, MA
Annual total expenses: $113,558 (30.2% above the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $9,463
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $1,740 (48.0% above the 50 metro average)
Food: $877 (11.8% above the 50 metro average)
Child care: $2,225 (64.7% above the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,103 (3.5% below the 50 metro average)
Health care: $837 (18.6% below the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $1,056 (33.5% above the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $1,626 (63.6% above the 50 metro average)
#3. New York, NY
Annual total expenses: $124,129 (42.3% above the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $10,344
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $1,789 (52.2% above the 50 metro average)
Food: $908 (15.7% above the 50 metro average)
Child care: $2,773 (105.3% above the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $589 (48.5% below the 50 metro average)
Health care: $1,238 (20.4% above the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $1,088 (37.6% above the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $1,958 (97.0% above the 50 metro average)
#2. San Jose, CA
Annual total expenses: $129,092 (48.0% above the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $10,758
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $2,522 (114.6% above the 50 metro average)
Food: $896 (14.2% above the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,559 (15.4% above the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,315 (15.0% above the 50 metro average)
Health care: $1,039 (1.0% above the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $1,379 (74.4% above the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $2,049 (106.2% above the 50 metro average)
#1. San Francisco, CA
Annual total expenses: $148,440 (70.2% above the 50 metro average)
Monthly total expenses: $12,370
Monthly expenses:
Housing: $3,121 (165.5% above the 50 metro average)
Food: $998 (27.2% above the 50 metro average)
Child care: $1,730 (28.1% above the 50 metro average)
Transportation: $1,114 (2.6% below the 50 metro average)
Health care: $1,152 (12.0% above the 50 metro average)
Other necessities: $1,662 (110.2% above the 50 metro average)
Taxes: $2,593 (160.9% above the 50 metro average)
