2020 changed almost everything, including how much it costs to raise a child. From remote learning and rising food prices to juggling work-from-home life and unexpected childcare gaps, parents felt the financial pressure more than ever. While previous years followed more predictable spending trends, 2020 threw curveballs that reshaped family budgets in real-time. But what did it actually cost to raise a child during one of the most unpredictable years in recent memory? Let’s break down the numbers and explore where the money really went in 2020.
1. The Average Cost Was Around $233,610—Before the Pandemic Extras
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s latest available data before 2020, it cost roughly $233,610 to raise a child from birth through age 17 for a middle-income, two-parent household. That’s about $13,741 per year, per child—not including college tuition. But when the pandemic hit, many families saw spikes in certain categories that made that number feel low. From higher grocery bills to at-home schooling costs, the “new normal” brought new expenses. While official adjusted numbers for 2020 weren’t immediately available, the reality for families often went well beyond projections.
2. Grocery Bills Went Up—A Lot
With everyone at home for months at a time, families experienced a major jump in food expenses. Kids who usually ate breakfast or lunch at school were now eating every meal at home, and those costs added up fast. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, grocery prices rose by 3.5% in 2020, the largest increase since 2011. Staples like meat, eggs, and dairy saw especially sharp price hikes. Even if you planned meals carefully, the cost of raising a child in 2020 definitely included extra snack runs and grocery store trips.
3. Childcare Became a Chaotic Line Item
Many daycares closed temporarily or operated under limited capacity, forcing parents to either scramble for alternatives or juggle full-time childcare while working remotely. Some families paid for part-time sitters, private learning pods, or tutors to help manage distance learning. Others had to cut back work hours, creating a hidden financial toll. Even families who saved on formal daycare still felt the impact through lost productivity and burnout. The flexibility came at a steep price—one not always measured in dollars.
4. Technology Costs Skyrocketed
Virtual learning turned every kitchen table into a classroom and every child into a tech user overnight. Parents spent hundreds on laptops, tablets, headsets, upgraded internet plans, and learning software. Even families with school-issued devices often bought extras to make home learning smoother. When multiple kids needed simultaneous access, many households invested in additional equipment just to keep up. For most families, this category didn’t even exist before, but in 2020, it became essential to the cost of raising a child.
5. Healthcare Costs Stayed High—Even Without Doctor Visits
While routine visits and elective procedures decreased, many families still saw high out-of-pocket healthcare costs in 2020. Insurance premiums didn’t pause for the pandemic, and unexpected COVID-related visits added to the burden. Parents also stocked up on over-the-counter medications, thermometers, and sanitizing products just to be prepared. Mental health services for kids and teens became another unexpected line item, especially with so many struggling in isolation. Healthcare remained one of the year’s most unpredictable—and unavoidable—expenses.
6. Entertainment and Activity Budgets Shifted
Extracurriculars, sports leagues, and playdates disappeared overnight, which should have saved money, but families quickly replaced them with other at-home alternatives. From backyard upgrades to subscriptions for streaming, learning apps, and DIY craft kits, parents found new ways to keep kids busy. Many families also invested in bikes, scooters, trampolines, or home gym equipment to burn off energy. While some of these purchases were one-time, they represented a meaningful change in how families spent money to stay sane indoors.
7. Clothing Costs Decreased—But Only Temporarily
One silver lining? Many parents reported spending less on clothes in 2020. With schools, sports, and events canceled, there was less need for “real” outfits and shoes. Pajamas and stretchy pants reigned supreme for months. But once things began reopening or hybrid learning started, kids had outgrown nearly everything, forcing families to play catch-up with entire wardrobes. In the long run, it evened out for many, just spaced out differently than usual.
Raising a Child in 2020 Meant More Than Budgeting
Yes, 2020 came with higher price tags in some categories and lower ones in others—but the emotional cost was just as real. Parents had to stretch every dollar, every hour, and every ounce of patience. The cost of raising a child in 2020 wasn’t just about money—it was about flexibility, sacrifice, and resilience. If you made it through with your sanity (mostly) intact, give yourself credit. You didn’t just raise your child—you raised your game.
How did your family’s spending shift in 2020? What surprised you most about raising a child during that year? Share your story in the comments!
Read More:
Here’s What It Cost to Raise A Child In 1980
Here’s What It Cost to Raise A Child in The Year 2000
Catherine is a tech-savvy writer who has focused on the personal finance space for more than eight years. She has a Bachelor’s in Information Technology and enjoys showcasing how tech can simplify everyday personal finance tasks like budgeting, spending tracking, and planning for the future. Additionally, she’s explored the ins and outs of the world of side hustles and loves to share what she’s learned along the way. When she’s not working, you can find her relaxing at home in the Pacific Northwest with her two cats or enjoying a cup of coffee at her neighborhood cafe.
