Report: How much does it cost to raise a child in TN, other US states?

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - A new report has found how much it costs to raise a child in each U.S. state in 2025.

SmartAsset reports that the average annual cost of raising a child under five in the U.S. reached $27,743 this year.

“These costs – which cover additional housing, food, transportation, healthcare, miscellaneous items, and childcare for a working couple – rose 4.5% between 2024 and 2025, slightly outpacing the 2.82% inflation rate during the same timeframe,” the report states.

SmartAsset ranked the states based on the estimated additional annual income needed by two working adults to support a child under five years old.

Tennessee was among the cheapest in the U.S., ranked at No. 45.

Annual costs (2025): $21,424

Annual costs (2024): $20,755

One-year change: 3.22%

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