Search

Let’s Talk About Child Care Costs in 2025: What the Map Really Shows

Erika Willitzer
Jul 26
2 min read

If you’ve ever felt like child care costs are eating up your paycheck faster than you can say “daycare drop-off,” you’re not alone. A recent map from Visual Capitalist caught my eye—and probably yours too if you’re juggling work, family, and a budget that feels tighter than ever.

So let’s break it down together. 👇

🗺️ What’s the Map Telling Us?

Visual Capitalist used data from WalletHub (June 2025) to show how much of a married couple’s median income goes toward center-based child care in each U.S. state. And wow—there’s a big difference depending on where you live.

Here’s the headline:👉 Families in Hawaii are spending a whopping 13.5% of their income on child care.👉 Meanwhile, South Dakota families spend just 6.7%—less than half that.

Other high-cost states include:

Vermont (13.2%)
Oregon (12.9%)
Washington (12.6%)
Massachusetts (12.4%)
California (12.3%)

And on the more affordable end:

Mississippi (7.7%)
South Carolina (7.8%)
Alabama (7.9%)

It’s a coast-versus-heartland kind of story, and it’s not just about geography—it’s about access, affordability, and policy.

💡 Why Does This Matter?

Because child care isn’t just a family issue—it’s an economic one. When costs are this high, parents (especially moms) may be forced to leave the workforce. That’s not just tough on families—it’s tough on communities and local economies.

Affordable child care means:

More parents can work.
Small businesses have a larger talent pool.
Communities thrive.

🏡 What Can Small Towns Learn From This?

If you’re in a small town, this map is a wake-up call and an opportunity. Lower child care costs can be a selling point for attracting families and entrepreneurs. But it also means we need to invest in quality care options and support providers who are often underpaid and overworked.

Imagine if your town became known not just for charm and affordability—but for being a place where families can actually afford to raise kids. That’s a vision worth building.

📲 Want to See the Map?

You can check out the full visualization here:🔗 Mapped: Child Care Costs by U.S. State in 2025

Published by Bruno Venditti, Visual Capitalist, July 25, 2025.