New research from LendingTree finds childcare for infants is more expensive than rent in nearly a dozen cities.
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The average monthly cost of full-time infant care at a center is $1,282, which is about 25% less than the average monthly cost of renting a two-bedroom space, according to Lending Tree.
In Springfield, Massachusetts, monthly infant care is nearly $2,000, exceeding the rent for a two-bedroom apartment by 15%.
READ: Best places for new families in 2025
Other cities where childcare costs surpass rent include Milwaukee, Wichita, Omaha, Baltimore, and Buffalo.
The average cost of childcare rose 13.3% from 2023 to 2024, with a 35.5% increase from five years prior, as reported by Childcare Aware of America.
While some Americans have expressed concerns about affordability, others have cited economic issues in recent elections.
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