Cost of Having a Child
Estimate the total cost of raising a child from birth to age 18. Includes childcare, food, education, clothing, activities, and government support — adjusted for your region and childcare choices.
Total cost
£199,070
Difference between full salary and Statutory Maternity Pay over 52 weeks
Regional childcare cost
Full-time nursery in Midlands: £13,729/yr
Source: Coram Childcare Survey 2025
Total cost to age 18
£199,070
£30/day per child
Per child (total)
£199,070
Per child per month
£922/mo
Government support
Childcare (0-4)
£54,916
After-school (5-11)
£24,507
Cost by age phase (per child)
Spending by category (per child)
How this compares
CPAG estimates the total cost of raising a child to 18 at £250,000 for a couple (including housing) and £290,000 for a lone parent. Your estimate of £199,070 per child covers the marginal costs — what each child adds to your household spending.
Source: CPAG "Cost of a Child" 2025