Child Care Costs Now Surpass College Tuition in 38 States, Analysis Finds

A new report highlights the growing financial strain of child care, which also exceeds rent costs in 17 states and D.C.

The Economic Policy Institute's analysis reveals that child care costs outpace public college tuition in 38 states and Washington, D.C., up from 33 states in 2020.
Child care expenses range from $521 per month in Mississippi to $1,893 per month in Washington, D.C., for families with one 4-year-old child.
In 17 states and Washington, D.C., child care costs now exceed average rent prices, further burdening working families.
The report highlights New Mexico, where annual infant care costs surpass rent by over 10% and are unaffordable for 90% of residents based on federal guidelines.
Advocates call for expanded federal and state policies, with New Mexico's $150 million annual fund for early childhood education cited as a promising model.