Raising a child in the U.S. now tops $300,000 through age 18, LendingTree finds

A LendingTree analysis puts the cost of raising a child in the U.S. to age 18 at more than $300,000, a figure highlighted by CBS News as Kelly O’Grady outlines ways families can navigate the expenses.

It now costs more than $300,000 to raise a child in the United States through age 18, according to an analysis from LendingTree highlighted by CBS News.

The headline figure underscores the scale of the expenses families weigh as they plan and budget for the first 18 years of a child’s life.

In a CBS News segment, correspondent Kelly O’Grady breaks down the estimate and shares guidance on how parents can navigate the costs.

The LendingTree estimate offers a benchmark for households considering or growing their families, as well as those reassessing budgets amid everyday obligations.

CBS News said the breakdown aims to help families think through planning decisions and trade-offs as they manage child-related expenses.