Have you ever stopped to think about how much child care costs compared to rent in Ohio? It’s an eye-opener, especially for working families juggling budgets. In some cities, child care expenses can rival or even exceed monthly rent, which adds to the financial strain many parents already feel.
Understanding Child Care Costs in Ohio
A recent study by LendingTree compared child care expenses and rent across 100 US metro areas. On average, families spend about 18.6% of their income on child care. But in Ohio, the figures tell a more dramatic story.
Let’s dive into how child care costs stack up against rent in different Ohio cities.
Two Ohio Cities Where Child Care Costs More Than Rent
In Dayton and Toledo, child care costs more than renting a two-bedroom apartment, making it a significant financial hurdle for families.
Toledo
- Child Care Cost: $1,015 per month
- Average Rent: $986 per month
- Difference: Child care costs 2.9% more than rent.
Toledo ranks No. 13 in the LendingTree study, highlighting the burden on families who might already be stretched thin financially.
Dayton
- Child Care Cost: $1,028 per month
- Average Rent: $1,025 per month
- Difference: Child care costs 0.5% more than rent.
Dayton comes in at No. 16, showing that parents face tough choices when deciding how to allocate their budgets.
Cities Where Child Care and Rent Costs Are Almost Equal
In Akron and Cleveland, child care costs are almost on par with rent, making it a bit easier for families to manage.
Akron
- Child Care Cost: $1,036 per month
- Average Rent: $1,039 per month
- Difference: Child care costs 0.3% less than rent.
Ranking No. 17, Akron is slightly more manageable for families, but the expenses are still significant.
Cleveland
- Child Care Cost: $1,047 per month
- Average Rent: $1,108 per month
- Difference: Child care costs 5.5% less than rent.
Cleveland ranks No. 23, providing some relief for families compared to other Ohio cities.
Cities Where Rent Is More Than Child Care
In contrast, two other major Ohio cities show a stark difference between child care and rent costs.
Cincinnati
- Child Care Cost: $1,052 per month
- Average Rent: $1,195 per month
- Difference: Child care costs 12% less than rent.
Cincinnati ranks No. 31, offering a bit of a breather for families as they navigate their financial responsibilities.
Columbus
- Child Care Cost: $1,057 per month
- Average Rent: $1,302 per month
- Difference: Child care costs almost 19% less than rent.
Columbus ranks No. 47, indicating that families may have more financial flexibility when it comes to budgeting for child care.
The Bigger Picture: National Child Care Costs
Across the US, child care is no small expense. The average cost for one infant is around $1,218 per month. If you add in a four-year-old, the total can skyrocket to $2,182. In contrast, the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment sits at $1,566, meaning that child care for two children can be about 40% more expensive than rent.
The Rising Cost of Child Care
The financial strain doesn’t stop there. Since 1990, child care costs have surged by 220%, far outpacing general inflation. The typical household spends around $325 a week on child care, which represents about 18.6% of their weekly income. According to Care.com, that number can climb as high as 24% of a family’s total income, far exceeding federal guidelines on affordable child care costs.
Top Ten US Cities Where Child Care Costs More Than Rent
For context, here’s a look at the top 10 cities where child care costs significantly more than rent:
- Springfield, Massachusetts – 32.3% more
- Syracuse, New York – 25.8% more
- Buffalo, New York – 22.4% more
- Wichita, Kansas – 22.4% more
- Spokane, Washington – 21.8% more
- Bakersfield, California – 20.3% more
- Worcester, Massachusetts – 15.7% more
- Scranton, Pennsylvania – 11% more
- Rochester, New York – 10.5% more
- Minneapolis, Minnesota – 8.9% more
Conclusion: A Tough Balancing Act for Families
The financial landscape for families in Ohio is challenging, especially when child care costs can rival or exceed rent. With Dayton and Toledo feeling the pinch most acutely, parents in these cities face tough decisions about budgeting. In contrast, cities like Cincinnati and Columbus provide some relief.
Understanding these costs is vital for parents as they plan for their children’s futures. With rising child care expenses and stagnant wages, finding a balance becomes increasingly critical. Awareness of these costs can help families make informed decisions that suit their financial situations.
