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U.S. Workers Spend Up to 29% of Their Income, on Average, on Child Care for Kids Younger Than 5

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Child care costs are crazy expensive — and they’re rising, according to a new report from LendingTree.

In 2020, child care costs for kids younger than 5 ate up between 17% and 20% of the average American worker’s yearly earnings. In some states, that percentage reached nearly 30%.

To discover this, LendingTree researchers analyzed data from the nonprofit Child Care Aware of America on the cost of center-based child care in each state (where available) and annual wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

There is some good news, however. Wages are rising across the U.S., too, and in 2020, that growth outpaced the growth of child care costs in most states. That means child care that year became a little bit more affordable for millions of Americans.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key findings
Center-based child care eats up big chunk of average worker’s wages
Bad news: Child care getting more expensive, regardless of age
Good news: Wage increases outpaced child care cost growth for many in 2020
5 ways to deal with rising child care costs
Methodology

Key findings

Child care costs for kids younger than 5 eat up between 17% and 20% of the average American worker’s yearly earnings. In Hawaii, that percentage climbs to 29% for infant care — the highest of any state in any age group.
The bad news: Child care is getting more expensive, regardless of your kid’s age. The cost of full-time center-based child care for kids younger than 5 rose across the U.S. between 2018 and 2020. The price jumped 5% to $12,411 for infants, 5% to $11,379 for toddlers and 7% to $10,008 for 4-year-olds.
The good news: Wage increases outpaced child care cost growth in 2020. The percentage of average wages needed to pay for infant care fell in 39 states, while the percentage needed to pay for toddler care fell in 36 states and the percentage needed to pay for 4-year-olds fell in 36 states.
Only seven states saw child care costs for all age groups rise faster than wages. This geographically and culturally diverse group includes Michigan, Rhode Island, Tennessee, North Carolina, Arkansas, Illinois and Washington state.

Center-based child care eats up big chunk of average worker’s wages

Isn’t news to any parent that child care is expensive — and no state’s residents are immune.

In each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia, the cost of center-based care for kids younger than 5 eats up at least 13% of the average wages for a worker in that state. In some states, depending on the child’s age, that percentage can climb as high as nearly 30%.

In Hawaii, it takes 29% of the average worker’s wages to pay for infant care. That’s the highest in the nation.
In Vermont, it takes 25% of the average worker’s wages to pay for toddler care, the highest in the nation.
Vermont again tops the list when it comes to care for 4-year-olds at 24%.

At the bottom of each list is Mississippi at 13% or 14%, depending on the child’s age.

Using a simple average across the 50 states and D.C., we found that American workers spend an average of between 17% and 20% of their average yearly wages on child care for their kids younger than 5.

In a nation where most people are on a budget and living paycheck to paycheck, that’s a big, big deal.

Full rankings: Percentage of average wages needed to pay for average in-center care for infants, toddlers and 4-year-olds

Rank State Average infant care cost Average wages Percentage

1 Hawaii $16,619 $57,934 28.7%

2 Massachusetts $22,577 $83,738 27.0%

3 Minnesota $16,973 $64,191 26.4%

4 Vermont $13,915 $54,084 25.7%

5 Indiana $13,241 $51,957 25.5%

6 Kansas $12,469 $51,490 24.2%

7 Wisconsin $12,984 $53,809 24.1%

8 Colorado $15,881 $66,649 23.8%

9 Maryland $16,221 $68,879 23.5%

10 Nebraska $11,960 $51,488 23.2%

11 Illinois $15,325 $66,279 23.1%

12 District of Columbia $24,378 $107,075 22.8%

12 Rhode Island $13,780 $60,508 22.8%

14 South Carolina $11,180 $49,554 22.6%

14 Washington $17,364 $76,791 22.6%

16 New Jersey $16,471 $73,974 22.3%

17 California $17,384 $79,480 21.9%

18 Michigan $12,979 $59,432 21.8%

19 Iowa $11,356 $52,333 21.7%

20 Montana $10,400 $48,443 21.5%

21 Connecticut $15,808 $75,317 21.0%

21 New Hampshire $13,609 $64,888 21.0%

21 Virginia $13,709 $65,159 21.0%

24 Maine $10,866 $51,952 20.9%

25 Utah $11,232 $54,890 20.5%

26 Arizona $11,848 $58,426 20.3%

27 Nevada $11,244 $55,996 20.1%

28 New York $16,588 $83,122 20.0%

29 North Carolina $11,046 $56,214 19.6%

29 Pennsylvania $12,152 $62,049 19.6%

29 Tennessee $10,780 $55,137 19.6%

32 Alaska $12,048 $61,730 19.5%

33 New Mexico $9,587 $50,369 19.0%

34 Delaware $11,761 $62,462 18.8%

34 Wyoming $9,608 $50,986 18.8%

36 Missouri $9,990 $54,046 18.5%

37 Oklahoma $9,084 $49,566 18.3%

37 Oregon $10,983 $59,938 18.3%

39 Ohio $10,161 $55,872 18.2%

40 Idaho $8,355 $47,685 17.5%

41 North Dakota $9,669 $55,465 17.4%

42 Texas $10,826 $62,872 17.2%

43 Florida $9,545 $55,868 17.1%

43 West Virginia $8,320 $48,741 17.1%

45 Louisiana $8,580 $51,964 16.5%

46 Arkansas $7,498 $48,672 15.4%

47 Georgia $8,901 $58,884 15.1%

47 South Dakota $7,426 $49,167 15.1%

49 Alabama $7,800 $52,210 14.9%

49 Kentucky $7,574 $50,794 14.9%

51 Mississippi $5,933 $43,222 13.7%

Source: LendingTree analysis of 2020 data from Child Care Aware of America and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Rank	State	Average infant care cost	Average wages	Percentage
1	Hawaii	$16,619	$57,934	28.7%
2	Massachusetts	$22,577	$83,738	27.0%
3	Minnesota	$16,973	$64,191	26.4%
4	Vermont	$13,915	$54,084	25.7%
5	Indiana	$13,241	$51,957	25.5%
6	Kansas	$12,469	$51,490	24.2%
7	Wisconsin	$12,984	$53,809	24.1%
8	Colorado	$15,881	$66,649	23.8%
9	Maryland	$16,221	$68,879	23.5%
10	Nebraska	$11,960	$51,488	23.2%
11	Illinois	$15,325	$66,279	23.1%
12	District of Columbia	$24,378	$107,075	22.8%
12	Rhode Island	$13,780	$60,508	22.8%
14	South Carolina	$11,180	$49,554	22.6%
14	Washington	$17,364	$76,791	22.6%
16	New Jersey	$16,471	$73,974	22.3%
17	California	$17,384	$79,480	21.9%
18	Michigan	$12,979	$59,432	21.8%
19	Iowa	$11,356	$52,333	21.7%
20	Montana	$10,400	$48,443	21.5%
21	Connecticut	$15,808	$75,317	21.0%
21	New Hampshire	$13,609	$64,888	21.0%
21	Virginia	$13,709	$65,159	21.0%
24	Maine	$10,866	$51,952	20.9%
25	Utah	$11,232	$54,890	20.5%
26	Arizona	$11,848	$58,426	20.3%
27	Nevada	$11,244	$55,996	20.1%
28	New York	$16,588	$83,122	20.0%
29	North Carolina	$11,046	$56,214	19.6%
29	Pennsylvania	$12,152	$62,049	19.6%
29	Tennessee	$10,780	$55,137	19.6%
32	Alaska	$12,048	$61,730	19.5%
33	New Mexico	$9,587	$50,369	19.0%
34	Delaware	$11,761	$62,462	18.8%
34	Wyoming	$9,608	$50,986	18.8%
36	Missouri	$9,990	$54,046	18.5%
37	Oklahoma	$9,084	$49,566	18.3%
37	Oregon	$10,983	$59,938	18.3%
39	Ohio	$10,161	$55,872	18.2%
40	Idaho	$8,355	$47,685	17.5%
41	North Dakota	$9,669	$55,465	17.4%
42	Texas	$10,826	$62,872	17.2%
43	Florida	$9,545	$55,868	17.1%
43	West Virginia	$8,320	$48,741	17.1%
45	Louisiana	$8,580	$51,964	16.5%
46	Arkansas	$7,498	$48,672	15.4%
47	Georgia	$8,901	$58,884	15.1%
47	South Dakota	$7,426	$49,167	15.1%
49	Alabama	$7,800	$52,210	14.9%
49	Kentucky	$7,574	$50,794	14.9%
51	Mississippi	$5,933	$43,222	13.7%
Source: LendingTree analysis of 2020 data from Child Care Aware of America and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Rank State Average toddler care cost Average wages Percentage

1 Vermont $13,672 $54,084 25.3%

2 Massachusetts $20,776 $83,738 24.8%

3 Wisconsin $12,918 $53,809 24.0%

4 Minnesota $14,917 $64,191 23.2%

5 Indiana $11,795 $51,957 22.7%

5 Nebraska $11,700 $51,488 22.7%

7 Rhode Island $13,260 $60,508 21.9%

8 District of Columbia $23,301 $107,075 21.8%

8 Michigan $12,979 $59,432 21.8%

10 Iowa $11,300 $52,333 21.6%

11 Colorado $14,341 $66,649 21.5%

11 Montana $10,400 $48,443 21.5%

11 South Carolina $10,660 $49,554 21.5%

14 Hawaii $12,082 $57,934 20.9%

14 Illinois $13,845 $66,279 20.9%

16 Connecticut $15,496 $75,317 20.6%

17 New Jersey $15,141 $73,974 20.5%

18 Alaska $12,444 $61,730 20.2%

19 Kansas $10,262 $51,490 19.9%

19 Virginia $12,993 $65,159 19.9%

21 Washington $15,120 $76,791 19.7%

22 Maine $10,186 $51,952 19.6%

23 North Carolina $10,953 $56,214 19.5%

24 New Hampshire $12,597 $64,888 19.4%

25 Wyoming $9,515 $50,986 18.7%

26 Maryland $12,840 $68,879 18.6%

26 New Mexico $9,377 $50,369 18.6%

26 Pennsylvania $11,557 $62,049 18.6%

29 Nevada $10,364 $55,996 18.5%

30 Missouri $9,764 $54,046 18.1%

30 Tennessee $9,998 $55,137 18.1%

30 West Virginia $8,840 $48,741 18.1%

33 Oregon $10,425 $59,938 17.4%

34 Delaware $10,660 $62,462 17.1%

35 Idaho $8,094 $47,685 17.0%

36 New York $14,040 $83,122 16.9%

36 Oklahoma $8,391 $49,566 16.9%

38 Utah $9,180 $54,890 16.7%

39 North Dakota $9,183 $55,465 16.6%

40 Ohio $9,078 $55,872 16.2%

41 Texas $9,940 $62,872 15.8%

42 Louisiana $8,073 $51,964 15.5%

43 Florida $8,541 $55,868 15.3%

44 South Dakota $7,426 $49,167 15.1%

45 Alabama $7,800 $52,210 14.9%

45 Kentucky $7,574 $50,794 14.9%

47 Arkansas $7,134 $48,672 14.7%

48 Georgia $8,402 $58,884 14.3%

49 Arizona $8,028 $58,426 13.7%

49 Mississippi $5,933 $43,222 13.7%

Source: LendingTree analysis of 2020 data from Child Care Aware of America and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Note: Excludes California due to insufficient data.

Rank	State	Average toddler care cost	Average wages	Percentage
1	Vermont	$13,672	$54,084	25.3%
2	Massachusetts	$20,776	$83,738	24.8%
3	Wisconsin	$12,918	$53,809	24.0%
4	Minnesota	$14,917	$64,191	23.2%
5	Indiana	$11,795	$51,957	22.7%
5	Nebraska	$11,700	$51,488	22.7%
7	Rhode Island	$13,260	$60,508	21.9%
8	District of Columbia	$23,301	$107,075	21.8%
8	Michigan	$12,979	$59,432	21.8%
10	Iowa	$11,300	$52,333	21.6%
11	Colorado	$14,341	$66,649	21.5%
11	Montana	$10,400	$48,443	21.5%
11	South Carolina	$10,660	$49,554	21.5%
14	Hawaii	$12,082	$57,934	20.9%
14	Illinois	$13,845	$66,279	20.9%
16	Connecticut	$15,496	$75,317	20.6%
17	New Jersey	$15,141	$73,974	20.5%
18	Alaska	$12,444	$61,730	20.2%
19	Kansas	$10,262	$51,490	19.9%
19	Virginia	$12,993	$65,159	19.9%
21	Washington	$15,120	$76,791	19.7%
22	Maine	$10,186	$51,952	19.6%
23	North Carolina	$10,953	$56,214	19.5%
24	New Hampshire	$12,597	$64,888	19.4%
25	Wyoming	$9,515	$50,986	18.7%
26	Maryland	$12,840	$68,879	18.6%
26	New Mexico	$9,377	$50,369	18.6%
26	Pennsylvania	$11,557	$62,049	18.6%
29	Nevada	$10,364	$55,996	18.5%
30	Missouri	$9,764	$54,046	18.1%
30	Tennessee	$9,998	$55,137	18.1%
30	West Virginia	$8,840	$48,741	18.1%
33	Oregon	$10,425	$59,938	17.4%
34	Delaware	$10,660	$62,462	17.1%
35	Idaho	$8,094	$47,685	17.0%
36	New York	$14,040	$83,122	16.9%
36	Oklahoma	$8,391	$49,566	16.9%
38	Utah	$9,180	$54,890	16.7%
39	North Dakota	$9,183	$55,465	16.6%
40	Ohio	$9,078	$55,872	16.2%
41	Texas	$9,940	$62,872	15.8%
42	Louisiana	$8,073	$51,964	15.5%
43	Florida	$8,541	$55,868	15.3%
44	South Dakota	$7,426	$49,167	15.1%
45	Alabama	$7,800	$52,210	14.9%
45	Kentucky	$7,574	$50,794	14.9%
47	Arkansas	$7,134	$48,672	14.7%
48	Georgia	$8,402	$58,884	14.3%
49	Arizona	$8,028	$58,426	13.7%
49	Mississippi	$5,933	$43,222	13.7%
Source: LendingTree analysis of 2020 data from Child Care Aware of America and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Note: Excludes California due to insufficient data.

Rank State Average 4-year-old care cost Average wages Percentage

1 Vermont $12,835 $54,084 23.7%

2 Nebraska $11,440 $51,488 22.2%

3 Hawaii $12,040 $57,934 20.8%

4 Minnesota $12,954 $64,191 20.2%

5 Massachusetts $16,781 $83,738 20.0%

5 South Carolina $9,932 $49,554 20.0%

7 Wisconsin $10,536 $53,809 19.6%

8 Montana $9,334 $48,443 19.3%

8 Rhode Island $11,700 $60,508 19.3%

10 Maine $9,891 $51,952 19.0%

11 Michigan $11,086 $59,432 18.7%

12 Indiana $9,589 $51,957 18.5%

13 New Jersey $13,367 $73,974 18.1%

14 Colorado $11,911 $66,649 17.9%

14 District of Columbia $19,214 $107,075 17.9%

16 Iowa $9,322 $52,333 17.8%

17 Illinois $11,605 $66,279 17.5%

17 Washington $13,404 $76,791 17.5%

19 Alaska $10,746 $61,730 17.4%

19 Idaho $8,317 $47,685 17.4%

19 New Mexico $8,766 $50,369 17.4%

22 Connecticut $13,052 $75,317 17.3%

23 New Hampshire $11,114 $64,888 17.1%

23 West Virginia $8,320 $48,741 17.1%

25 Kansas $8,742 $51,490 17.0%

26 Nevada $9,275 $55,996 16.6%

26 North Carolina $9,350 $56,214 16.6%

28 Pennsylvania $10,150 $62,049 16.4%

29 Wyoming $8,236 $50,986 16.2%

30 Maryland $11,106 $68,879 16.1%

31 Virginia $10,451 $65,159 16.0%

32 Tennessee $8,759 $55,137 15.9%

33 New York $12,844 $83,122 15.5%

33 North Dakota $8,624 $55,465 15.5%

35 California $12,168 $79,480 15.3%

35 Delaware $9,579 $62,462 15.3%

37 Oklahoma $7,520 $49,566 15.2%

38 Utah $8,268 $54,890 15.1%

39 Louisiana $7,800 $51,964 15.0%

40 Arizona $8,719 $58,426 14.9%

40 Ohio $8,303 $55,872 14.9%

42 Oregon $8,749 $59,938 14.6%

43 Texas $9,147 $62,872 14.5%

44 Alabama $7,280 $52,210 13.9%

45 South Dakota $6,677 $49,167 13.6%

46 Arkansas $6,575 $48,672 13.5%

46 Kentucky $6,841 $50,794 13.5%

48 Missouri $7,062 $54,046 13.1%

49 Georgia $7,630 $58,884 13.0%

50 Florida $7,186 $55,868 12.9%

51 Mississippi $5,439 $43,222 12.6%

Source: LendingTree analysis of 2020 data from Child Care Aware of America and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Rank	State	Average 4-year-old care cost	Average wages	Percentage
1	Vermont	$12,835	$54,084	23.7%
2	Nebraska	$11,440	$51,488	22.2%
3	Hawaii	$12,040	$57,934	20.8%
4	Minnesota	$12,954	$64,191	20.2%
5	Massachusetts	$16,781	$83,738	20.0%
5	South Carolina	$9,932	$49,554	20.0%
7	Wisconsin	$10,536	$53,809	19.6%
8	Montana	$9,334	$48,443	19.3%
8	Rhode Island	$11,700	$60,508	19.3%
10	Maine	$9,891	$51,952	19.0%
11	Michigan	$11,086	$59,432	18.7%
12	Indiana	$9,589	$51,957	18.5%
13	New Jersey	$13,367	$73,974	18.1%
14	Colorado	$11,911	$66,649	17.9%
14	District of Columbia	$19,214	$107,075	17.9%
16	Iowa	$9,322	$52,333	17.8%
17	Illinois	$11,605	$66,279	17.5%
17	Washington	$13,404	$76,791	17.5%
19	Alaska	$10,746	$61,730	17.4%
19	Idaho	$8,317	$47,685	17.4%
19	New Mexico	$8,766	$50,369	17.4%
22	Connecticut	$13,052	$75,317	17.3%
23	New Hampshire	$11,114	$64,888	17.1%
23	West Virginia	$8,320	$48,741	17.1%
25	Kansas	$8,742	$51,490	17.0%
26	Nevada	$9,275	$55,996	16.6%
26	North Carolina	$9,350	$56,214	16.6%
28	Pennsylvania	$10,150	$62,049	16.4%
29	Wyoming	$8,236	$50,986	16.2%
30	Maryland	$11,106	$68,879	16.1%
31	Virginia	$10,451	$65,159	16.0%
32	Tennessee	$8,759	$55,137	15.9%
33	New York	$12,844	$83,122	15.5%
33	North Dakota	$8,624	$55,465	15.5%
35	California	$12,168	$79,480	15.3%
35	Delaware	$9,579	$62,462	15.3%
37	Oklahoma	$7,520	$49,566	15.2%
38	Utah	$8,268	$54,890	15.1%
39	Louisiana	$7,800	$51,964	15.0%
40	Arizona	$8,719	$58,426	14.9%
40	Ohio	$8,303	$55,872	14.9%
42	Oregon	$8,749	$59,938	14.6%
43	Texas	$9,147	$62,872	14.5%
44	Alabama	$7,280	$52,210	13.9%
45	South Dakota	$6,677	$49,167	13.6%
46	Arkansas	$6,575	$48,672	13.5%
46	Kentucky	$6,841	$50,794	13.5%
48	Missouri	$7,062	$54,046	13.1%
49	Georgia	$7,630	$58,884	13.0%
50	Florida	$7,186	$55,868	12.9%
51	Mississippi	$5,439	$43,222	12.6%
Source: LendingTree analysis of 2020 data from Child Care Aware of America and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Bad news: Child care getting more expensive, regardless of age

Unfortunately, child care costs are continuing to rise, up anywhere from 5% to 7%, depending on the child’s age. Using a simple average across U.S. states between 2018 and 2020, prices jumped:

5% — from $11,786 to $12,411 — for infants
5% — from $10,849 to $11,379 — for toddlers
7% — from $9,349 to $10,008 — for 4-year-olds

The growth isn’t isolated to a few states, either. From 2018 to 2020, infant care costs grew in 42 states, while toddler care costs grew in 35 and 4-year-old care costs grew in 45.

Michigan residents have been hit the hardest, with increases ranging from 26% to 34%, depending on the child’s age. Meanwhile, Arkansas saw the biggest increase for any single age — a stunning 46% increase in the cost of care for 4-year-olds — but grew 16% among other age groups.

The two states where residents fared best? Maine and Oregon. Both states saw double-digit decreases for child care costs regardless of age, including a 24% decrease in infant care in Maine. Those states, however, are far more the exception than the norm.

Full rankings: States with the biggest increases in child care center costs for infants, toddlers and 4-year-olds

Rank State 2018 2020 Change ($) Change (%)

1 Michigan $10,287 $12,979 $2,692 26.2%

2 Rhode Island $10,955 $13,780 $2,825 25.8%

3 South Carolina $9,100 $11,180 $2,080 22.9%

4 Tennessee $9,017 $10,780 $1,763 19.6%

5 North Carolina $9,254 $11,046 $1,792 19.4%

6 Hawaii $14,100 $16,619 $2,519 17.9%

7 Washington $14,844 $17,364 $2,520 17.0%

8 Arkansas $6,443 $7,498 $1,055 16.4%

9 Utah $10,002 $11,232 $1,230 12.3%

10 Illinois $13,762 $15,325 $1,563 11.4%

11 Vermont $12,507 $13,915 $1,408 11.3%

12 New York $15,028 $16,588 $1,560 10.4%

13 Texas $9,864 $10,826 $962 9.8%

14 Arizona $10,822 $11,848 $1,026 9.5%

15 Massachusetts $20,880 $22,577 $1,697 8.1%

16 Alabama $7,280 $7,800 $520 7.1%

17 Indiana $12,390 $13,241 $851 6.9%

18 California $16,452 $17,384 $932 5.7%

18 Iowa $10,743 $11,356 $613 5.7%

20 New Jersey $15,600 $16,471 $871 5.6%

20 Wyoming $9,100 $9,608 $508 5.6%

22 Maryland $15,403 $16,221 $818 5.3%

22 Minnesota $16,120 $16,973 $853 5.3%

22 North Dakota $9,182 $9,669 $487 5.3%

25 Pennsylvania $11,560 $12,152 $592 5.1%

26 New Mexico $9,135 $9,587 $452 4.9%

27 New Hampshire $13,044 $13,609 $565 4.3%

28 West Virginia $8,029 $8,320 $291 3.6%

29 Delaware $11,371 $11,761 $390 3.4%

29 Wisconsin $12,552 $12,984 $432 3.4%

31 Mississippi $5,760 $5,933 $173 3.0%

32 Florida $9,312 $9,545 $233 2.5%

33 Georgia $8,729 $8,901 $172 2.0%

34 Alaska $11,832 $12,048 $216 1.8%

34 Colorado $15,600 $15,881 $281 1.8%

34 Kentucky $7,440 $7,574 $134 1.8%

37 Oklahoma $8,940 $9,084 $144 1.6%

38 Ohio $10,009 $10,161 $152 1.5%

39 Connecticut $15,600 $15,808 $208 1.3%

40 District of Columbia $24,081 $24,378 $297 1.2%

40 Nevada $11,107 $11,244 $137 1.2%

42 Missouri $9,880 $9,990 $110 1.1%

43 Louisiana $8,580 $8,580 $0 0.0%

44 Kansas $12,584 $12,469 -$115 -0.9%

45 Nebraska $12,272 $11,960 -$312 -2.5%

46 Idaho $8,636 $8,355 -$281 -3.3%

47 Virginia $14,560 $13,709 -$851 -5.8%

48 Oregon $13,518 $10,983 -$2,535 -18.8%

49 Maine $14,248 $10,866 -$3,382 -23.7%

Source: LendingTree analysis of 2018 and 2020 data from Child Care Aware of America. Note: Excludes Montana and South Dakota due to insufficient data.

Rank	State	2018	2020	Change ($)	Change (%)
1	Michigan	$10,287	$12,979	$2,692	26.2%
2	Rhode Island	$10,955	$13,780	$2,825	25.8%
3	South Carolina	$9,100	$11,180	$2,080	22.9%
4	Tennessee	$9,017	$10,780	$1,763	19.6%
5	North Carolina	$9,254	$11,046	$1,792	19.4%
6	Hawaii	$14,100	$16,619	$2,519	17.9%
7	Washington	$14,844	$17,364	$2,520	17.0%
8	Arkansas	$6,443	$7,498	$1,055	16.4%
9	Utah	$10,002	$11,232	$1,230	12.3%
10	Illinois	$13,762	$15,325	$1,563	11.4%
11	Vermont	$12,507	$13,915	$1,408	11.3%
12	New York	$15,028	$16,588	$1,560	10.4%
13	Texas	$9,864	$10,826	$962	9.8%
14	Arizona	$10,822	$11,848	$1,026	9.5%
15	Massachusetts	$20,880	$22,577	$1,697	8.1%
16	Alabama	$7,280	$7,800	$520	7.1%
17	Indiana	$12,390	$13,241	$851	6.9%
18	California	$16,452	$17,384	$932	5.7%
18	Iowa	$10,743	$11,356	$613	5.7%
20	New Jersey	$15,600	$16,471	$871	5.6%
20	Wyoming	$9,100	$9,608	$508	5.6%
22	Maryland	$15,403	$16,221	$818	5.3%
22	Minnesota	$16,120	$16,973	$853	5.3%
22	North Dakota	$9,182	$9,669	$487	5.3%
25	Pennsylvania	$11,560	$12,152	$592	5.1%
26	New Mexico	$9,135	$9,587	$452	4.9%
27	New Hampshire	$13,044	$13,609	$565	4.3%
28	West Virginia	$8,029	$8,320	$291	3.6%
29	Delaware	$11,371	$11,761	$390	3.4%
29	Wisconsin	$12,552	$12,984	$432	3.4%
31	Mississippi	$5,760	$5,933	$173	3.0%
32	Florida	$9,312	$9,545	$233	2.5%
33	Georgia	$8,729	$8,901	$172	2.0%
34	Alaska	$11,832	$12,048	$216	1.8%
34	Colorado	$15,600	$15,881	$281	1.8%
34	Kentucky	$7,440	$7,574	$134	1.8%
37	Oklahoma	$8,940	$9,084	$144	1.6%
38	Ohio	$10,009	$10,161	$152	1.5%
39	Connecticut	$15,600	$15,808	$208	1.3%
40	District of Columbia	$24,081	$24,378	$297	1.2%
40	Nevada	$11,107	$11,244	$137	1.2%
42	Missouri	$9,880	$9,990	$110	1.1%
43	Louisiana	$8,580	$8,580	$0	0.0%
44	Kansas	$12,584	$12,469	-$115	-0.9%
45	Nebraska	$12,272	$11,960	-$312	-2.5%
46	Idaho	$8,636	$8,355	-$281	-3.3%
47	Virginia	$14,560	$13,709	-$851	-5.8%
48	Oregon	$13,518	$10,983	-$2,535	-18.8%
49	Maine	$14,248	$10,866	-$3,382	-23.7%
Source: LendingTree analysis of 2018 and 2020 data from Child Care Aware of America. Note: Excludes Montana and South Dakota due to insufficient data.

States with the biggest increases in toddler child care center costs

Rank State 2018 2020 Change ($) Change (%)

1 Michigan $9,713 $12,979 $3,266 33.6%

2 North Carolina $8,387 $10,953 $2,566 30.6%

3 Rhode Island $10,739 $13,260 $2,521 23.5%

4 West Virginia $7,194 $8,840 $1,646 22.9%

5 Tennessee $8,449 $9,998 $1,549 18.3%

6 Washington $12,852 $15,120 $2,268 17.6%

7 Iowa $9,695 $11,300 $1,605 16.6%

8 Arkansas $6,152 $7,134 $982 16.0%

9 Wyoming $8,320 $9,515 $1,195 14.4%

10 Vermont $12,084 $13,672 $1,588 13.1%

11 Illinois $12,278 $13,845 $1,567 12.8%

12 Missouri $8,716 $9,764 $1,048 12.0%

13 Alaska $11,287 $12,444 $1,157 10.3%

14 Wisconsin $11,816 $12,918 $1,102 9.3%

15 Texas $9,170 $9,940 $770 8.4%

16 Pennsylvania $10,709 $11,557 $848 7.9%

17 Massachusetts $19,269 $20,776 $1,507 7.8%

18 Alabama $7,280 $7,800 $520 7.1%

19 Maryland $12,067 $12,840 $773 6.4%

20 Delaware $10,034 $10,660 $626 6.2%

20 Minnesota $14,040 $14,917 $877 6.2%

22 New Jersey $14,340 $15,141 $801 5.6%

23 New Mexico $8,934 $9,377 $443 5.0%

24 North Dakota $8,762 $9,183 $421 4.8%

25 New Hampshire $12,116 $12,597 $481 4.0%

26 Mississippi $5,760 $5,933 $173 3.0%

27 Florida $8,356 $8,541 $185 2.2%

28 Colorado $14,087 $14,341 $254 1.8%

28 Kentucky $7,440 $7,574 $134 1.8%

30 Oklahoma $8,262 $8,391 $129 1.6%

31 Nebraska $11,523 $11,700 $177 1.5%

32 District of Columbia $23,017 $23,301 $284 1.2%

32 Nevada $10,238 $10,364 $126 1.2%

34 Ohio $9,006 $9,078 $72 0.8%

35 Louisiana $8,060 $8,073 $13 0.2%

36 Connecticut $15,548 $15,496 -$52 -0.3%

36 Georgia $8,427 $8,402 -$25 -0.3%

36 Kansas $10,296 $10,262 -$34 -0.3%

39 New York $14,144 $14,040 -$104 -0.7%

40 Utah $9,270 $9,180 -$90 -1.0%

41 Idaho $8,249 $8,094 -$155 -1.9%

42 Indiana $12,230 $11,795 -$435 -3.6%

43 Hawaii $12,996 $12,082 -$914 -7.0%

44 Virginia $14,352 $12,993 -$1,359 -9.5%

45 Arizona $9,229 $8,028 -$1,201 -13.0%

46 Maine $12,324 $10,186 -$2,138 -17.3%

47 Oregon $12,667 $10,425 -$2,242 -17.7%

Source: LendingTree analysis of 2018 and 2020 data from Child Care Aware of America. Note: Excludes California, Montana, South Carolina and South Dakota due to insufficient data.

States with the biggest increases in toddler child care center costs
Rank	State	2018	2020	Change ($)	Change (%)
1	Michigan	$9,713	$12,979	$3,266	33.6%
2	North Carolina	$8,387	$10,953	$2,566	30.6%
3	Rhode Island	$10,739	$13,260	$2,521	23.5%
4	West Virginia	$7,194	$8,840	$1,646	22.9%
5	Tennessee	$8,449	$9,998	$1,549	18.3%
6	Washington	$12,852	$15,120	$2,268	17.6%
7	Iowa	$9,695	$11,300	$1,605	16.6%
8	Arkansas	$6,152	$7,134	$982	16.0%
9	Wyoming	$8,320	$9,515	$1,195	14.4%
10	Vermont	$12,084	$13,672	$1,588	13.1%
11	Illinois	$12,278	$13,845	$1,567	12.8%
12	Missouri	$8,716	$9,764	$1,048	12.0%
13	Alaska	$11,287	$12,444	$1,157	10.3%
14	Wisconsin	$11,816	$12,918	$1,102	9.3%
15	Texas	$9,170	$9,940	$770	8.4%
16	Pennsylvania	$10,709	$11,557	$848	7.9%
17	Massachusetts	$19,269	$20,776	$1,507	7.8%
18	Alabama	$7,280	$7,800	$520	7.1%
19	Maryland	$12,067	$12,840	$773	6.4%
20	Delaware	$10,034	$10,660	$626	6.2%
20	Minnesota	$14,040	$14,917	$877	6.2%
22	New Jersey	$14,340	$15,141	$801	5.6%
23	New Mexico	$8,934	$9,377	$443	5.0%
24	North Dakota	$8,762	$9,183	$421	4.8%
25	New Hampshire	$12,116	$12,597	$481	4.0%
26	Mississippi	$5,760	$5,933	$173	3.0%
27	Florida	$8,356	$8,541	$185	2.2%
28	Colorado	$14,087	$14,341	$254	1.8%
28	Kentucky	$7,440	$7,574	$134	1.8%
30	Oklahoma	$8,262	$8,391	$129	1.6%
31	Nebraska	$11,523	$11,700	$177	1.5%
32	District of Columbia	$23,017	$23,301	$284	1.2%
32	Nevada	$10,238	$10,364	$126	1.2%
34	Ohio	$9,006	$9,078	$72	0.8%
35	Louisiana	$8,060	$8,073	$13	0.2%
36	Connecticut	$15,548	$15,496	-$52	-0.3%
36	Georgia	$8,427	$8,402	-$25	-0.3%
36	Kansas	$10,296	$10,262	-$34	-0.3%
39	New York	$14,144	$14,040	-$104	-0.7%
40	Utah	$9,270	$9,180	-$90	-1.0%
41	Idaho	$8,249	$8,094	-$155	-1.9%
42	Indiana	$12,230	$11,795	-$435	-3.6%
43	Hawaii	$12,996	$12,082	-$914	-7.0%
44	Virginia	$14,352	$12,993	-$1,359	-9.5%
45	Arizona	$9,229	$8,028	-$1,201	-13.0%
46	Maine	$12,324	$10,186	-$2,138	-17.3%
47	Oregon	$12,667	$10,425	-$2,242	-17.7%
Source: LendingTree analysis of 2018 and 2020 data from Child Care Aware of America. Note: Excludes California, Montana, South Carolina and South Dakota due to insufficient data.

States with the biggest increases in 4-year-old child care center costs

Rank State 2018 2020 Change ($) Change (%)

1 Arkansas $4,493 $6,575 $2,082 46.3%

2 Michigan $8,315 $11,086 $2,771 33.3%

3 Hawaii $9,240 $12,040 $2,800 30.3%

4 South Carolina $8,190 $9,932 $1,742 21.3%

5 West Virginia $6,934 $8,320 $1,386 20%

6 Rhode Island $9,793 $11,700 $1,907 19.5%

7 North Carolina $7,920 $9,350 $1,430 18.1%

7 Washington $11,352 $13,404 $2,052 18.1%

9 Tennessee $7,486 $8,759 $1,273 17.0%

10 Vermont $11,438 $12,835 $1,397 12.2%

11 Alabama $6,500 $7,280 $780 12.0%

12 Illinois $10,432 $11,605 $1,173 11.2%

12 Oklahoma $6,762 $7,520 $758 11.2%

14 Texas $8,294 $9,147 $853 10.3%

15 Georgia $6,987 $7,630 $643 9.2%

16 Alaska $9,847 $10,746 $899 9.1%

17 California $11,202 $12,168 $966 8.6%

18 Idaho $7,665 $8,317 $652 8.5%

19 Massachusetts $15,475 $16,781 $1,306 8.4%

20 South Dakota $6,198 $6,677 $479 7.7%

21 Utah $7,714 $8,268 $554 7.2%

22 New York $12,064 $12,844 $780 6.5%

23 Pennsylvania $9,540 $10,150 $610 6.4%

24 Maryland $10,484 $11,106 $622 5.9%

25 Delaware $9,054 $9,579 $525 5.8%

26 New Jersey $12,660 $13,367 $707 5.6%

26 Wyoming $7,800 $8,236 $436 5.6%

28 Iowa $8,856 $9,322 $466 5.3%

28 Nevada $8,812 $9,275 $463 5.3%

30 New Mexico $8,352 $8,766 $414 5.0%

31 New Hampshire $10,603 $11,114 $511 4.8%

32 Minnesota $12,428 $12,954 $526 4.2%

33 Wisconsin $10,181 $10,536 $355 3.5%

34 North Dakota $8,349 $8,624 $275 3.3%

35 Indiana $9,290 $9,589 $299 3.2%

36 Missouri $6,849 $7,062 $213 3.1%

37 Mississippi $5,280 $5,439 $159 3.0%

38 Connecticut $12,688 $13,052 $364 2.9%

39 Florida $7,002 $7,186 $184 2.6%

39 Nebraska $11,148 $11,440 $292 2.6%

41 Colorado $11,700 $11,911 $211 1.8%

41 Kentucky $6,720 $6,841 $121 1.8%

43 District of Columbia $18,980 $19,214 $234 1.2%

44 Ohio $8,258 $8,303 $45 0.5%

45 Kansas $8,736 $8,742 $6 0.1%

46 Louisiana $7,800 $7,800 $0 0.0%

47 Arizona $8,724 $8,719 -$5 -0.1%

48 Virginia $11,544 $10,451 -$1,093 -9.5%

49 Maine $11,232 $9,891 -$1,341 -11.9%

50 Oregon $10,102 $8,749 -$1,353 -13.4%

Source: LendingTree analysis of 2018 and 2020 data from Child Care Aware of America. Note: Excludes Montana due to insufficient data.

States with the biggest increases in 4-year-old child care center costs
Rank	State	2018	2020	Change ($)	Change (%)
1	Arkansas	$4,493	$6,575	$2,082	46.3%
2	Michigan	$8,315	$11,086	$2,771	33.3%
3	Hawaii	$9,240	$12,040	$2,800	30.3%
4	South Carolina	$8,190	$9,932	$1,742	21.3%
5	West Virginia	$6,934	$8,320	$1,386	20%
6	Rhode Island	$9,793	$11,700	$1,907	19.5%
7	North Carolina	$7,920	$9,350	$1,430	18.1%
7	Washington	$11,352	$13,404	$2,052	18.1%
9	Tennessee	$7,486	$8,759	$1,273	17.0%
10	Vermont	$11,438	$12,835	$1,397	12.2%
11	Alabama	$6,500	$7,280	$780	12.0%
12	Illinois	$10,432	$11,605	$1,173	11.2%
12	Oklahoma	$6,762	$7,520	$758	11.2%
14	Texas	$8,294	$9,147	$853	10.3%
15	Georgia	$6,987	$7,630	$643	9.2%
16	Alaska	$9,847	$10,746	$899	9.1%
17	California	$11,202	$12,168	$966	8.6%
18	Idaho	$7,665	$8,317	$652	8.5%
19	Massachusetts	$15,475	$16,781	$1,306	8.4%
20	South Dakota	$6,198	$6,677	$479	7.7%
21	Utah	$7,714	$8,268	$554	7.2%
22	New York	$12,064	$12,844	$780	6.5%
23	Pennsylvania	$9,540	$10,150	$610	6.4%
24	Maryland	$10,484	$11,106	$622	5.9%
25	Delaware	$9,054	$9,579	$525	5.8%
26	New Jersey	$12,660	$13,367	$707	5.6%
26	Wyoming	$7,800	$8,236	$436	5.6%
28	Iowa	$8,856	$9,322	$466	5.3%
28	Nevada	$8,812	$9,275	$463	5.3%
30	New Mexico	$8,352	$8,766	$414	5.0%
31	New Hampshire	$10,603	$11,114	$511	4.8%
32	Minnesota	$12,428	$12,954	$526	4.2%
33	Wisconsin	$10,181	$10,536	$355	3.5%
34	North Dakota	$8,349	$8,624	$275	3.3%
35	Indiana	$9,290	$9,589	$299	3.2%
36	Missouri	$6,849	$7,062	$213	3.1%
37	Mississippi	$5,280	$5,439	$159	3.0%
38	Connecticut	$12,688	$13,052	$364	2.9%
39	Florida	$7,002	$7,186	$184	2.6%
39	Nebraska	$11,148	$11,440	$292	2.6%
41	Colorado	$11,700	$11,911	$211	1.8%
41	Kentucky	$6,720	$6,841	$121	1.8%
43	District of Columbia	$18,980	$19,214	$234	1.2%
44	Ohio	$8,258	$8,303	$45	0.5%
45	Kansas	$8,736	$8,742	$6	0.1%
46	Louisiana	$7,800	$7,800	$0	0.0%
47	Arizona	$8,724	$8,719	-$5	-0.1%
48	Virginia	$11,544	$10,451	-$1,093	-9.5%
49	Maine	$11,232	$9,891	-$1,341	-11.9%
50	Oregon	$10,102	$8,749	-$1,353	-13.4%
Source: LendingTree analysis of 2018 and 2020 data from Child Care Aware of America. Note: Excludes Montana due to insufficient data.

Good news: Wage increases outpaced child care cost growth for many in 2020

Child care costs aren’t the only things rising, however. Wages across the country are, too. In fact, in 2020, they rose faster than the cost of child care in most states, and that’s an excellent thing:

The percentage of average wages needed to pay for infant care fell in 39 states.
The percentage needed to pay for toddler care fell in 36 states.
The percentage needed for care for 4-year-olds fell in 36 states.

Across the nation, only seven states saw child care costs for all age groups rise faster than wages. Michigan and Arkansas, which saw some of the sharpest increases in the nation in child care, were among those states, as well as Rhode Island, Tennessee, North Carolina, Illinois and Washington state.

Full rankings: States with the biggest increases in infant, toddler and 4-year-old care costs as a percentage of average wages

States with the biggest increases in infant care cost as a percentage of average wages

Rank State 2018 2020 Change (points) Change (percentage)

1 Michigan 19.1% 21.8% 2.7% 14.1%

2 Rhode Island 20.4% 22.8% 2.4% 11.8%

3 South Carolina 20.3% 22.6% 2.3% 11.3%

4 Tennessee 17.9% 19.6% 1.7% 9.5%

5 North Carolina 18.2% 19.6% 1.4% 7.7%

6 Arkansas 14.7% 15.4% 0.7% 4.8%

7 Hawaii 27.7% 28.7% 1.0% 3.6%

8 Texas 17.1% 17.2% 0.1% 0.6%

9 Illinois 23.0% 23.1% 0.1% 0.4%

9 Washington 22.5% 22.6% 0.1% 0.4%

11 Utah 20.6% 20.5% -0.1% -0.5%

11 Wyoming 18.9% 18.8% -0.1% -0.5%

13 North Dakota 17.5% 17.4% -0.1% -0.6%

14 West Virginia 17.4% 17.1% -0.3% -1.7%

15 Indiana 26.0% 25.5% -0.5% -1.9%

16 Vermont 26.3% 25.7% -0.6% -2.3%

17 Arizona 20.9% 20.3% -0.6% -2.9%

17 New York 20.6% 20.0% -0.6% -2.9%

19 Alabama 15.4% 14.9% -0.5% -3.2%

20 Iowa 22.6% 21.7% -0.9% -4.0%

21 Oklahoma 19.1% 18.3% -0.8% -4.2%

22 Minnesota 27.8% 26.4% -1.4% -5.0%

23 Mississippi 14.5% 13.7% -0.8% -5.5%

24 Pennsylvania 20.8% 19.6% -1.2% -5.8%

25 New Jersey 23.7% 22.3% -1.4% -5.9%

25 New Mexico 20.2% 19.0% -1.2% -5.9%

27 Delaware 20.0% 18.8% -1.2% -6.0%

28 Wisconsin 25.7% 24.1% -1.6% -6.2%

29 Massachusetts 28.8% 27.0% -1.8% -6.3%

30 Maryland 25.2% 23.5% -1.7% -6.7%

31 Louisiana 17.8% 16.5% -1.3% -7.3%

32 Georgia 16.3% 15.1% -1.2% -7.4%

33 Kentucky 16.1% 14.9% -1.2% -7.5%

34 Missouri 20.1% 18.5% -1.6% -8.0%

35 Florida 18.6% 17.1% -1.5% -8.1%

35 Ohio 19.8% 18.2% -1.6% -8.1%

37 Alaska 21.3% 19.5% -1.8% -8.5%

38 Connecticut 23.0% 21.0% -2.0% -8.7%

38 New Hampshire 23.0% 21.0% -2.0% -8.7%

40 California 24.0% 21.9% -2.1% -8.8%

41 District of Columbia 25.1% 22.8% -2.3% -9.2%

42 Nevada 22.2% 20.1% -2.1% -9.5%

43 Colorado 26.5% 23.8% -2.7% -10.2%

44 Kansas 27.0% 24.2% -2.8% -10.4%

45 Nebraska 26.5% 23.2% -3.3% -12.5%

46 Idaho 20.1% 17.5% -2.6% -12.9%

47 Virginia 25.0% 21.0% -4.0% -16.0%

48 Oregon 25.5% 18.3% -7.2% -28.2%

49 Maine 31.4% 20.9% -10.5% -33.4%

Source: LendingTree analysis of 2018 and 2020 data from Child Care Aware of America and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Note: Excludes Montana and South Dakota due to insufficient data.

States with the biggest increases in infant care cost as a percentage of average wages
Rank	State	2018	2020	Change (points)	Change (percentage)
1	Michigan	19.1%	21.8%	2.7%	14.1%
2	Rhode Island	20.4%	22.8%	2.4%	11.8%
3	South Carolina	20.3%	22.6%	2.3%	11.3%
4	Tennessee	17.9%	19.6%	1.7%	9.5%
5	North Carolina	18.2%	19.6%	1.4%	7.7%
6	Arkansas	14.7%	15.4%	0.7%	4.8%
7	Hawaii	27.7%	28.7%	1.0%	3.6%
8	Texas	17.1%	17.2%	0.1%	0.6%
9	Illinois	23.0%	23.1%	0.1%	0.4%
9	Washington	22.5%	22.6%	0.1%	0.4%
11	Utah	20.6%	20.5%	-0.1%	-0.5%
11	Wyoming	18.9%	18.8%	-0.1%	-0.5%
13	North Dakota	17.5%	17.4%	-0.1%	-0.6%
14	West Virginia	17.4%	17.1%	-0.3%	-1.7%
15	Indiana	26.0%	25.5%	-0.5%	-1.9%
16	Vermont	26.3%	25.7%	-0.6%	-2.3%
17	Arizona	20.9%	20.3%	-0.6%	-2.9%
17	New York	20.6%	20.0%	-0.6%	-2.9%
19	Alabama	15.4%	14.9%	-0.5%	-3.2%
20	Iowa	22.6%	21.7%	-0.9%	-4.0%
21	Oklahoma	19.1%	18.3%	-0.8%	-4.2%
22	Minnesota	27.8%	26.4%	-1.4%	-5.0%
23	Mississippi	14.5%	13.7%	-0.8%	-5.5%
24	Pennsylvania	20.8%	19.6%	-1.2%	-5.8%
25	New Jersey	23.7%	22.3%	-1.4%	-5.9%
25	New Mexico	20.2%	19.0%	-1.2%	-5.9%
27	Delaware	20.0%	18.8%	-1.2%	-6.0%
28	Wisconsin	25.7%	24.1%	-1.6%	-6.2%
29	Massachusetts	28.8%	27.0%	-1.8%	-6.3%
30	Maryland	25.2%	23.5%	-1.7%	-6.7%
31	Louisiana	17.8%	16.5%	-1.3%	-7.3%
32	Georgia	16.3%	15.1%	-1.2%	-7.4%
33	Kentucky	16.1%	14.9%	-1.2%	-7.5%
34	Missouri	20.1%	18.5%	-1.6%	-8.0%
35	Florida	18.6%	17.1%	-1.5%	-8.1%
35	Ohio	19.8%	18.2%	-1.6%	-8.1%
37	Alaska	21.3%	19.5%	-1.8%	-8.5%
38	Connecticut	23.0%	21.0%	-2.0%	-8.7%
38	New Hampshire	23.0%	21.0%	-2.0%	-8.7%
40	California	24.0%	21.9%	-2.1%	-8.8%
41	District of Columbia	25.1%	22.8%	-2.3%	-9.2%
42	Nevada	22.2%	20.1%	-2.1%	-9.5%
43	Colorado	26.5%	23.8%	-2.7%	-10.2%
44	Kansas	27.0%	24.2%	-2.8%	-10.4%
45	Nebraska	26.5%	23.2%	-3.3%	-12.5%
46	Idaho	20.1%	17.5%	-2.6%	-12.9%
47	Virginia	25.0%	21.0%	-4.0%	-16.0%
48	Oregon	25.5%	18.3%	-7.2%	-28.2%
49	Maine	31.4%	20.9%	-10.5%	-33.4%
Source: LendingTree analysis of 2018 and 2020 data from Child Care Aware of America and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Note: Excludes Montana and South Dakota due to insufficient data.

States with the biggest increases in toddler care cost as a percentage of average wages

Rank State 2018 2020 Change (points) Change (percentage)

1 Michigan 18.1% 21.8% 3.7% 20.4%

2 North Carolina 16.5% 19.5% 3.0% 18.2%

3 West Virginia 15.6% 18.1% 2.5% 16.0%

4 Rhode Island 20.0% 21.9% 1.9% 9.5%

5 Tennessee 16.7% 18.1% 1.4% 8.4%

6 Wyoming 17.3% 18.7% 1.4% 8.1%

7 Iowa 20.4% 21.6% 1.2% 5.9%

8 Arkansas 14.0% 14.7% 0.7% 5.0%

9 Illinois 20.5% 20.9% 0.4% 2.0%

10 Missouri 17.8% 18.1% 0.3% 1.7%

11 Washington 19.4% 19.7% 0.3% 1.5%

12 Vermont 25.4% 25.3% -0.1%
-0.4%

13 Alaska 20.3% 20.2% -0.1% -0.5%

14 North Dakota 16.7% 16.6% -0.1% -0.6%

14 Texas 15.9% 15.8% -0.1% -0.6%

16 Wisconsin 24.2% 24.0% -0.2% -0.8%

17 Alabama 15.4% 14.9% -0.5% -3.2%

18 Delaware 17.7% 17.1% -0.6% -3.4%

19 Pennsylvania 19.3% 18.6% -0.7% -3.6%

20 Minnesota 24.2% 23.2% -1.0% -4.1%

21 Oklahoma 17.7% 16.9% -0.8% -4.5%

22 Mississippi 14.5% 13.7% -0.8% -5.5%

23 Maryland 19.7% 18.6% -1.1% -5.6%

24 New Jersey 21.8% 20.5% -1.3% -6.0%

25 New Mexico 19.8% 18.6% -1.2% -6.1%

26 Massachusetts 26.5% 24.8% -1.7% -6.4%

27 Kentucky 16.1% 14.9% -1.2% -7.5%

28 Louisiana 16.8% 15.5% -1.3% -7.7%

29 Florida 16.7% 15.3% -1.4% -8.4%

30 Nebraska 24.9% 22.7% -2.2% -8.8%

31 New Hampshire 21.3% 19.4% -1.9% -8.9%

32 Ohio 17.8% 16.2% -1.6% -9.0%

33 District of Columbia 24.0% 21.8% -2.2% -9.2%

34 Georgia 15.8% 14.3% -1.5% -9.5%

35 Nevada 20.5% 18.5% -2.0% -9.8%

36 Colorado 23.9% 21.5% -2.4% -10.0%

36 Kansas 22.1% 19.9% -2.2% -10.0%

38 Connecticut 23.0% 20.6% -2.4% -10.4%

39 Idaho 19.2% 17.0% -2.2% -11.5%

40 Indiana 25.7% 22.7% -3.0% -11.7%

41 Utah 19.1% 16.7% -2.4% -12.6%

42 New York 19.4% 16.9% -2.5% -12.9%

43 Hawaii 25.5% 20.9% -4.6% -18.0%

44 Virginia 24.6% 19.9% -4.7% -19.1%

45 Arizona 17.8% 13.7% -4.1% -23.0%

46 Oregon 23.9% 17.4% -6.5% -27.2%

47 Maine 27.2% 19.6% -7.6% -27.9%

Source: LendingTree analysis of 2018 and 2020 data from Child Care Aware of America and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Note: Excludes California, Montana, South Carolina and South Dakota due to insufficient data.

States with the biggest increases in toddler care cost as a percentage of average wages
Rank	State	2018	2020	Change (points)	Change (percentage)
1	Michigan	18.1%	21.8%	3.7%	20.4%
2	North Carolina	16.5%	19.5%	3.0%	18.2%
3	West Virginia	15.6%	18.1%	2.5%	16.0%
4	Rhode Island	20.0%	21.9%	1.9%	9.5%
5	Tennessee	16.7%	18.1%	1.4%	8.4%
6	Wyoming	17.3%	18.7%	1.4%	8.1%
7	Iowa	20.4%	21.6%	1.2%	5.9%
8	Arkansas	14.0%	14.7%	0.7%	5.0%
9	Illinois	20.5%	20.9%	0.4%	2.0%
10	Missouri	17.8%	18.1%	0.3%	1.7%
11	Washington	19.4%	19.7%	0.3%	1.5%
12	Vermont	25.4%	25.3%	-0.1%	-0.4%
13	Alaska	20.3%	20.2%	-0.1%	-0.5%
14	North Dakota	16.7%	16.6%	-0.1%	-0.6%
14	Texas	15.9%	15.8%	-0.1%	-0.6%
16	Wisconsin	24.2%	24.0%	-0.2%	-0.8%
17	Alabama	15.4%	14.9%	-0.5%	-3.2%
18	Delaware	17.7%	17.1%	-0.6%	-3.4%
19	Pennsylvania	19.3%	18.6%	-0.7%	-3.6%
20	Minnesota	24.2%	23.2%	-1.0%	-4.1%
21	Oklahoma	17.7%	16.9%	-0.8%	-4.5%
22	Mississippi	14.5%	13.7%	-0.8%	-5.5%
23	Maryland	19.7%	18.6%	-1.1%	-5.6%
24	New Jersey	21.8%	20.5%	-1.3%	-6.0%
25	New Mexico	19.8%	18.6%	-1.2%	-6.1%
26	Massachusetts	26.5%	24.8%	-1.7%	-6.4%
27	Kentucky	16.1%	14.9%	-1.2%	-7.5%
28	Louisiana	16.8%	15.5%	-1.3%	-7.7%
29	Florida	16.7%	15.3%	-1.4%	-8.4%
30	Nebraska	24.9%	22.7%	-2.2%	-8.8%
31	New Hampshire	21.3%	19.4%	-1.9%	-8.9%
32	Ohio	17.8%	16.2%	-1.6%	-9.0%
33	District of Columbia	24.0%	21.8%	-2.2%	-9.2%
34	Georgia	15.8%	14.3%	-1.5%	-9.5%
35	Nevada	20.5%	18.5%	-2.0%	-9.8%
36	Colorado	23.9%	21.5%	-2.4%	-10.0%
36	Kansas	22.1%	19.9%	-2.2%	-10.0%
38	Connecticut	23.0%	20.6%	-2.4%	-10.4%
39	Idaho	19.2%	17.0%	-2.2%	-11.5%
40	Indiana	25.7%	22.7%	-3.0%	-11.7%
41	Utah	19.1%	16.7%	-2.4%	-12.6%
42	New York	19.4%	16.9%	-2.5%	-12.9%
43	Hawaii	25.5%	20.9%	-4.6%	-18.0%
44	Virginia	24.6%	19.9%	-4.7%	-19.1%
45	Arizona	17.8%	13.7%	-4.1%	-23.0%
46	Oregon	23.9%	17.4%	-6.5%	-27.2%
47	Maine	27.2%	19.6%	-7.6%	-27.9%
Source: LendingTree analysis of 2018 and 2020 data from Child Care Aware of America and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Note: Excludes California, Montana, South Carolina and South Dakota due to insufficient data.

States with the biggest increases in 4-year-old care cost as a percentage of average wages

Rank State 2018 2020 Change (points) Change (percentage)

1 Arkansas 10.2% 13.5% 3.3% 32.4%

2 Michigan 15.5% 18.7% 3.2% 20.6%

3 Hawaii 18.1% 20.8% 2.7% 14.9%

4 West Virginia 15.0% 17.1% 2.1% 14.0%

5 South Carolina 18.3% 20.0% 1.7% 9.3%

6 Tennessee 14.8% 15.9% 1.1% 7.4%

7 North Carolina 15.6% 16.6% 1.0% 6.4%

8 Rhode Island 18.2% 19.3% 1.1% 6.0%

9 Oklahoma 14.5% 15.2% 0.7% 4.8%

10 Washington 17.2% 17.5% 0.3% 1.7%

11 Alabama 13.7% 13.9% 0.2% 1.5%

12 Texas 14.4% 14.5% 0.1% 0.7%

13 Illinois 17.4% 17.5% 0.1% 0.6%

14 Wyoming 16.2% 16.2% 0.0% 0.0%

15 Georgia 13.1% 13.0% -0.1% -0.8%

16 Vermont 24.0% 23.7% -0.3% -1.3%

17 Alaska 17.7% 17.4% -0.3% -1.7%

18 North Dakota 15.9% 15.5% -0.4% -2.5%

19 Idaho 17.9% 17.4% -0.5% -2.8%

20 Delaware 15.9% 15.3% -0.6% -3.8%

21 Pennsylvania 17.1% 16.4% -0.7% -4.1%

22 South Dakota 14.2% 13.6% -0.6% -4.2%

23 Iowa 18.6% 17.8% -0.8% -4.3%

24 Utah 15.9% 15.1% -0.8% -5.0%

25 Indiana 19.5% 18.5% -1.0% -5.1%

26 Mississippi 13.3% 12.6% -0.7% -5.3%

27 Minnesota 21.4% 20.2% -1.2% -5.6%

28 Nevada 17.6% 16.6% -1.0% -5.7%

29 Maryland 17.1% 16.1% -1.0% -5.8%

29 Wisconsin 20.8% 19.6% -1.2% -5.8%

31 New Mexico 18.5% 17.4% -1.1% -5.9%

32 Massachusetts 21.3% 20.0% -1.3% -6.1%

32 New York 16.5% 15.5% -1.0% -6.1%

34 New Jersey 19.3% 18.1% -1.2% -6.2%

35 Missouri 14.0% 13.1% -0.9% -6.4%

36 California 16.4% 15.3% -1.1% -7.0%

37 Kentucky 14.5% 13.5% -1.0% -6.9%

38 Louisiana 16.2% 15.0% -1.2% -7.4%

39 Connecticut 18.7% 17.3% -1.4% -7.5%

40 Florida 14.0% 12.9% -1.1% -7.9%

40 Nebraska 24.1% 22.2% -1.9% -7.9%

42 New Hampshire 18.7% 17.1% -1.6% -8.6%

42 Ohio 16.3% 14.9% -1.4% -8.6%

44 Kansas 18.7% 17.0% -1.7% -9.1%

45 District of Columbia 19.8% 17.9% -1.9% -9.6%

46 Colorado 19.9% 17.9% -2.0% -10.1%

47 Arizona 16.8% 14.9% -1.9% -11.3%

48 Virginia 19.8% 16.0% -3.8% -19.2%

49 Oregon 19.0% 14.6% -4.4% -23.2%

50 Maine 24.8% 19.0% -5.8% -23.4%

Source: LendingTree analysis of 2018 and 2020 data from Child Care Aware of America and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Note: Excludes Montana due to insufficient data.

States with the biggest increases in 4-year-old care cost as a percentage of average wages
Rank	State	2018	2020	Change (points)	Change (percentage)
1	Arkansas	10.2%	13.5%	3.3%	32.4%
2	Michigan	15.5%	18.7%	3.2%	20.6%
3	Hawaii	18.1%	20.8%	2.7%	14.9%
4	West Virginia	15.0%	17.1%	2.1%	14.0%
5	South Carolina	18.3%	20.0%	1.7%	9.3%
6	Tennessee	14.8%	15.9%	1.1%	7.4%
7	North Carolina	15.6%	16.6%	1.0%	6.4%
8	Rhode Island	18.2%	19.3%	1.1%	6.0%
9	Oklahoma	14.5%	15.2%	0.7%	4.8%
10	Washington	17.2%	17.5%	0.3%	1.7%
11	Alabama	13.7%	13.9%	0.2%	1.5%
12	Texas	14.4%	14.5%	0.1%	0.7%
13	Illinois	17.4%	17.5%	0.1%	0.6%
14	Wyoming	16.2%	16.2%	0.0%	0.0%
15	Georgia	13.1%	13.0%	-0.1%	-0.8%
16	Vermont	24.0%	23.7%	-0.3%	-1.3%
17	Alaska	17.7%	17.4%	-0.3%	-1.7%
18	North Dakota	15.9%	15.5%	-0.4%	-2.5%
19	Idaho	17.9%	17.4%	-0.5%	-2.8%
20	Delaware	15.9%	15.3%	-0.6%	-3.8%
21	Pennsylvania	17.1%	16.4%	-0.7%	-4.1%
22	South Dakota	14.2%	13.6%	-0.6%	-4.2%
23	Iowa	18.6%	17.8%	-0.8%	-4.3%
24	Utah	15.9%	15.1%	-0.8%	-5.0%
25	Indiana	19.5%	18.5%	-1.0%	-5.1%
26	Mississippi	13.3%	12.6%	-0.7%	-5.3%
27	Minnesota	21.4%	20.2%	-1.2%	-5.6%
28	Nevada	17.6%	16.6%	-1.0%	-5.7%
29	Maryland	17.1%	16.1%	-1.0%	-5.8%
29	Wisconsin	20.8%	19.6%	-1.2%	-5.8%
31	New Mexico	18.5%	17.4%	-1.1%	-5.9%
32	Massachusetts	21.3%	20.0%	-1.3%	-6.1%
32	New York	16.5%	15.5%	-1.0%	-6.1%
34	New Jersey	19.3%	18.1%	-1.2%	-6.2%
35	Missouri	14.0%	13.1%	-0.9%	-6.4%
36	California	16.4%	15.3%	-1.1%	-7.0%
37	Kentucky	14.5%	13.5%	-1.0%	-6.9%
38	Louisiana	16.2%	15.0%	-1.2%	-7.4%
39	Connecticut	18.7%	17.3%	-1.4%	-7.5%
40	Florida	14.0%	12.9%	-1.1%	-7.9%
40	Nebraska	24.1%	22.2%	-1.9%	-7.9%
42	New Hampshire	18.7%	17.1%	-1.6%	-8.6%
42	Ohio	16.3%	14.9%	-1.4%	-8.6%
44	Kansas	18.7%	17.0%	-1.7%	-9.1%
45	District of Columbia	19.8%	17.9%	-1.9%	-9.6%
46	Colorado	19.9%	17.9%	-2.0%	-10.1%
47	Arizona	16.8%	14.9%	-1.9%	-11.3%
48	Virginia	19.8%	16.0%	-3.8%	-19.2%
49	Oregon	19.0%	14.6%	-4.4%	-23.2%
50	Maine	24.8%	19.0%	-5.8%	-23.4%
Source: LendingTree analysis of 2018 and 2020 data from Child Care Aware of America and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Note: Excludes Montana due to insufficient data.

5 ways to deal with rising child care costs

Child care may have become a bit more affordable for some — at least compared to wages — but that doesn’t mean it isn’t still a huge challenge for millions of Americans. And with costs unlikely to start falling anytime soon, so your best move is to make a plan to pay it going forward.

Here are a few tips that can help:

Budget, budget, budget: Whether you need to increase your income, reduce or reprioritize some expenses — or all of the above — the best way to begin making a plan is with a well-thought-out budget. If you haven’t made one yet, check out this LendingTree guide on how to use a budget to pay off debt. If you already have a budget, go through it again and make sure it still matches your priorities. A lot has changed during the pandemic — if your budget isn’t one of them, it’s probably time to give it another look.
Consider changing your child care provider: If your child care provider’s costs have grown beyond your ability to afford them, it may be time to look elsewhere. This isn’t a step to take lightly, as far more goes into picking the right child care than just cost — still, difficult times can require difficult choices. Before you make a move, however, make sure you fully understand all the costs involved with the change.
Try negotiating with your child care provider: It likely can’t hurt to ask if there would be a way to lower your payments. If you’ve suffered a job loss or a major reduction in income recently, let them know and they may work with you. Or, if you have skills that might be useful to them — think bookkeeping, website-building or handyman work — you could consider leveraging those skills to barter for lower costs.
Consolidate your debts: This is a great way to reduce the amount of interest you pay on your debt and streamline your life. If you have good credit, a 0% balance transfer credit card can be a godsend. Cards can offer up to 21 months interest-free on transferred balances, and those balances can often be transferred from more types of loans than just credit cards. They typically come with a one-time fee of 3% to 5% for each transferred balance, but the savings can be substantial even with that fee. Or, if your credit isn’t great, consider a personal loan — they won’t come interest-free, but they may feature lower rates than your current credit card.
Take advantage of government assistance and other programs: Depending on your financial situation and other circumstances, the government might provide financial help. For example, states have programs to help low-income parents pay child care costs so they can work. Programs exist to help military families struggling financially to meet their child care needs. That’s just to name a few. Check out ChildCare.gov for more information.

Methodology

LendingTree researchers used data published by Child Care Aware of America in 2021 and 2019 reports to calculate the changes in average in-center child care costs for infants, toddlers and 4-year-olds between the 2018 and 2020 years.

Each state may define infant and toddler differently, so we can’t explicitly say what age ranges these cover. However, Child Care Aware of America notes that infants typically range up to 12 months old, while toddlers generally are 13 months to 3 years old.

Researchers compared average in-center child care costs to the average annual earnings of wage workers in each state during those years, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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