April 15th, 2025 by WCBC Radio

The cost of raising a child over the span of 18 years in Maryland has surged to $310,040, making it the 4th most expensive state to raise a child, according to a Lending Tree study. Nationwide, the average cost is $297,674 – a 25.3% increase just since 2023.  Hawaii is the most expensive at $362,891. Annual expenses including food, education, and clothing have increased 35.7%, and families now spend almost 23% of their income on child-related expenses.