A new study found that South Dakota ranked 1st among the most affordable states for child care in America, in 2025.
The study by Birth Injury Lawyers Group analyzed 2022 data from Child Care Aware® of America for all 50 U.S. states to rank childcare affordability. It used the average cost of center-based and family child care, along with median family incomes for married couples and single parents. Four indicators measured the percentage of income spent on childcare for both groups. Each indicator was equally weighted at 25%, and states were ranked based on a total score, with higher scores indicating higher childcare costs.
Key Findings
– South Dakota ranks as the most affordable state for child care in 2025, with center-based care costing $7,862 annually and family care at $5,824.
– Georgia is the second most affordable state for child care, with center-based care costing $9,227 and family care at $7,284 annually.
– Mississippi ranks 3rd with center-based care costing $7,280 annually and family care at $5,980.
– New York ranks as the most expensive state for child care in 2025 where families pay an average of $21,826 annually for center-based infant care.
1. South Dakota
South Dakota ranks as the most affordable state for child care in 2025, with center-based care costing $7,862 annually and family care at $5,824. For married couples, these costs account for 8% and 6% of their income, respectively. Single parents face higher burdens, with center-based care consuming 25% of their income and family care 19%.
2. Georgia
Georgia is the second most affordable state for child care, with center-based care costing $9,227 and family care at $7,284 annually. Married couples spend 9% of their income on center care and 7% on family care. Single parents, however, allocate 29% of their income for center care and 23% for family care.
3. Mississippi
Mississippi ranks third, with center-based care costing $7,280 annually and family care at $5,980. Married couples spend 8% of their income on center care and 7% on family care. Single parents face steeper costs, with 31% of their income going to center care and 26% to family care.
4. North Dakota
North Dakota offers relatively affordable care, with center-based costs at $9,984 and family care at $8,240. Married couples spend 9% of their income on center care and 7% on family care. Single parents allocate 30% of their income to center care and 25% to family care.
5. South Carolina
South Carolina’s center-based care costs $9,048 annually, with family care at $6,890. Married couples spend 9% of their income on center care and 7% on family care, while single parents allocate 32% and 24%, respectively.
6. Arkansas
In Arkansas, center-based care costs $8,021 annually and family care $6,577. Married couples spend 9% of their income on center care and 8% on family care. Single parents allocate 29% to center care and 24% to family care.
7. Missouri
In Missouri, center-based care costs $11,059, and family care is $6,297 annually. Married couples spend 11% of their income on center care and 6% on family care. Single parents allocate 35% to center care and 20% to family care.
8. West Virginia
West Virginia has center-based care costs at $7,680 and family care at $6,000 annually. Married couples spend 9% of their income on center care and 7% on family care, while single parents allocate 33% to center care and 26% to family care.
9. Louisiana
In Louisiana, center-based care costs $8,580 and family care $6,825 annually. Married couples spend 8% of their income on center care and 7% on family care. Single parents allocate 35% to center care and 28% to family care.
10. Alabama
In Alabama, center-based care costs $7,800 annually, with family care slightly lower at $7,280. Married couples spend 8% of their income on either type of care, while single parents allocate 31% to center care and 29% to family care.
