(The Epoch Times)—Millions of Americans pay more for child care than rent every month, according to a new analysis by online lending marketplace LendingTree.
Researchers found that child care costs exceeded the cost of a two-bedroom home or apartment for families with two children in 85 of the 100 largest metropolitan areas examined.
The biggest imbalance for families with two children occurred in Omaha, Nebraska (111.3 percent), Milwaukee, Wisconsin (110.9 percent), and Buffalo, New York (105.6 percent).
“Spending almost $1,300 a month on child care is a massive burden for parents, but most families don’t have another choice,” LendingTree chief consumer finance analyst Matt Schulz said.
“They can’t stay home. They don’t have family or friends they can rely on for child care. They have no other option but to spend a significant amount of money each month on child care. It makes an already difficult financial situation that much more challenging.”
Infant care was found to be more expensive than rent in 11 major metropolitan areas.
Infant care costs exceeded rent the most in Springfield, Massachusetts, where the average cost of infant care is $1,996, while the median rent for a two-bedroom home or apartment is $1,734.
Milwaukee had the second-highest variation, with infant care costing $1,536, while rent averaged $1,338.
Wichita, Kansas came in third, with the average cost of infant care at $1,256 and rent at $1,099.
Cities like Omaha, Baltimore, Buffalo, Syracuse, Spokane, Minneapolis, and Toledo rounded out the top 10 metropolitan areas where infant care costs were nearly equal to rent prices.
California and Florida had the top 10 cities in the United States where child care for an infant and a 4-year-old cost the least relative to rent.
LendingTree researchers arrived at their findings after examining data from Child Care Aware of America and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“For those struggling the most with child care, help is available,” Schulz said.
“Seek local, state, and federal government agencies geared toward helping financially strapped parents, but also consider religious organizations and other nonprofits. It can be tough to swallow your pride to reach out for help, but you can do it if it’s important enough to your family.”
American families spend between 8.9 percent and 16 percent of their income on full-day care for just one child, according to data published by the Department of Labor in November 2024.
The rising cost of child care has even caused more parents—particularly in lower-income households—to leave their jobs and stay home with the kids, according to a report by the Bank of America Institute published on Oct. 28.
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Safeguarding Your American Dream: Discover the Power of America First Healthcare
In today’s economy, healthcare costs remain one of the biggest threats to financial stability and family security. Americans work hard to build a better life, yet rising medical expenses can quickly erode savings, force tough trade-offs, and even push families toward debt or bankruptcy. Medical bills continue to rank as the leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States, with millions facing underinsurance or unexpected out-of-pocket burdens that no one plans for. Many turn to government-run marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act, hoping for relief, only to discover that what appears affordable on paper often delivers higher long-term costs, limited real protection, and coverage that may not align with personal values or family needs.
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The allure of marketplace plans is easy to understand: open enrollment periods, premium tax credits for many households, and the promise of “comprehensive” benefits mandated by law. Yet recent data reveals a different reality, especially after the expiration of enhanced premium subsidies at the end of 2025. Enrollment for 2026 dropped by more than one million people compared to the prior year, with many shifting to lower-tier bronze plans to keep monthly premiums manageable.
These plans feature significantly higher deductibles—averaging around $7,500 nationally—and greater cost-sharing requirements. Families who once paid modest amounts after subsidies now face average premium increases of $65 or more per month, even as they accept plans that leave them responsible for thousands in upfront costs before meaningful coverage kicks in.
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Values alignment represents another growing concern. Government-influenced plans operate within a framework shaped by federal mandates and political priorities that may not reflect conservative principles of limited government, personal freedom, and ethical stewardship. Families who want to direct their healthcare dollars toward providers and benefits that honor traditional values sometimes find marketplace options feel misaligned, forcing a compromise between affordability and conviction.
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Ultimately, protecting your family’s future requires looking beyond the marketing of “affordable” government options. By understanding the long-term costs hidden in high deductibles, shifting coverage tiers, and values mismatches, Americans can make empowered choices. Private, values-driven insurance offers a smarter path—one that rewards diligence, supports wellness, and delivers real security. For those ready to move beyond the limitations of traditional marketplace plans, a simple review can reveal options designed to serve families, not bureaucracies. The American Dream thrives when individuals and families retain control over their healthcare decisions, and thoughtful private coverage plays a vital role in making that possible.