Childcare expenses in the United States are widely acknowledged to be exceptionally high. According to a report released in January 2023 by the U.S. Department of Labor, the latest childcare data highlights the challenges families face in managing these costs. On average, American families spend approximately $1,300 per month on childcare, a significant portion amounting to a quarter of their income. As a result, more than 60% of impoverished families find themselves with no choice but to forgo work and take care of their children at home, leading to a cascade of financial difficulties. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services considers childcare to be "affordable" if it consumes less than 7% of a family's income, a criterion met in only 2% of counties across the nation, leaving nearly two-thirds of parents burdened with higher expenses. Remarkably, childcare remains unaffordable in 98% of counties throughout the country. The research team at AAA State of Play has introduced a new infographic that delves into childcare cost data, shedding light on the 25 most and least expensive places for childcare in the United States.
