How Much Does It Cost to Raise a Child in Washington State?

Raising a child involves a financial commitment that varies by location, family lifestyle, and the child’s age. Washington State’s dynamic economy and diverse regions present unique financial considerations for families. Understanding these expenses is essential for anyone planning to raise a child in the state.

Housing Expenses

Adding a child to a household often increases housing costs due to the need for more living space. In Washington State, the median home value was approximately $604,000 in 2025. This varies significantly, with Seattle and Bellevue having median home prices around $887,994 and $1,549,879, respectively. Spokane offers more affordable options at about $390,180.

Rental costs also show regional variation. The average rent for apartments statewide was about $1,755 per month as of November 2024. A one-bedroom apartment in Seattle averages around $2,275 per month.

Utility expenses, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, average approximately $501 per month. A child’s presence often increases utility consumption. Internet services add an additional $60 to $80 monthly.

Initial setup costs for a child’s room include furniture like a crib, changing table, and dresser. Budget-friendly nursery setups start around $500 to $1,500, while a more comprehensive setup typically costs around $2,000.

Childcare and Education Expenses

Childcare and education present a substantial financial commitment for families in Washington State, with costs often exceeding those in many other parts of the country. For infants, center-based care averages approximately $20,370 annually, or $1,698 per month in 2025. For a four-year-old, full-time care averages around $15,720 annually, or $1,310 each month.

Alternative family-based care offers some relief. Infant care typically costs about $15,600 per year ($1,300 monthly), while general family-based childcare averages $14,300 annually ($1,192 per month). Washington ranks among the top six states nationally for childcare expenses. In Seattle, costs can reach $25,000 to $30,000 annually for center-based care.

As children transition to early education, preschool tuition becomes a cost for families seeking structured learning environments before kindergarten. Average private preschool tuition in Washington ranges from $13,229 to $15,309 per year in 2025, depending on the program and location. These costs often reflect specialized curricula, smaller class sizes, or extended hours.

Extracurricular activities also add expenses as children grow. Sports, for example, can cost $581 for tackle football to $1,188 for soccer per child annually, including fees, equipment, and sometimes travel. Music lessons, art classes, and other hobbies also contribute.

School supplies and related fees are ongoing costs. Parents nationwide spend an average of $701 per child annually on back-to-school items. These recurring costs vary by grade level, with high school students often requiring more specialized items.

Food and Healthcare Expenses

Feeding a child is a continuous and evolving expense, from specialized infant nutrition to accommodating the larger appetites of older children. Washington State has higher grocery costs, ranking fourth nationally. While the average weekly grocery bill for a household is over $287, families with children typically spend around $331.94 per week.

For infants, formula-feeding can range from $411 to $874 per month. Powdered formulas are typically $100 to $150 monthly, while ready-to-feed options can reach $300. When children transition to solid foods, families can expect to spend an additional $157 to $214 per month on baby food.

Healthcare involves insurance and out-of-pocket medical needs. Adding a child increases health insurance premiums; the average annual cost for family health insurance nationwide was approximately $23,968 in 2023. Washington State offers programs like Apple Health for Kids, providing affordable or free health insurance for eligible children.

Out-of-pocket medical expenses include co-pays for doctor visits, prescriptions, and services not fully covered by insurance. National averages for children under 18 were around $283 in 2011, indicating some costs even with insurance. Annual out-of-pocket maximums for family coverage can be as high as $18,900 in 2024.

Routine immunizations are provided at no cost to children under 19 through the Washington State Childhood Vaccine Program, though an administration fee may apply. Dental care is also a recurring expense. A routine checkup and cleaning can cost around $120 without insurance, with more comprehensive exams potentially reaching $615 to $685. Medicaid dental rates for children in Washington are subject to reduction as of July 1, 2025, which may impact access or costs.

Transportation and Miscellaneous Expenses

Raising a child in Washington State impacts transportation costs, which are generally higher than the national average. For a household with two working adults and three children, transportation expenses can average around $1,387 per month. Washington is one of the costliest states for car ownership, influenced by gas prices, vehicle taxes, and maintenance.

Initial purchases for child transportation include car seats and booster seats, legally required for children up to certain height and age thresholds. These items range from approximately $20 for a basic backless booster to several hundred dollars for a high-end convertible car seat. Children typically use a booster seat until they are around 4 feet 9 inches tall, often between 10 and 12 years of age.

Clothing is a recurring expense, as children rapidly outgrow their wardrobes. The average monthly cost for a child’s clothing can range from $50 to $150. Annually, clothing expenditures can total up to $1,280, particularly for older children and teenagers.

Personal care items, notably diapers, are an ongoing cost for infants and toddlers. A monthly supply typically ranges from $80 to over $100, though costs can vary from $20 to $270 per month. Washington State implemented a law effective November 1, 2023, providing a $100 monthly cash payment for diapers to eligible low-income families.

Recreation and entertainment expenses, along with general household supplies, also increase with a child’s presence. Toys average around $14, with annual spending on toys per child estimated at $366. Extracurricular activities can add an average of $731 per child annually. The need for cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, and other staples typically rises with a larger family.