UNDISCLOSED, GERMANY – AUGUST 12: A 4-day-old newborn baby, who has been placed among empty baby beds by the photographer, lies in a baby bed in the maternity ward of a hospital (a spokesperson for the hospital asked that the hospital not be named) on August 12, 2011 in a city in the east German state of Brandenburg, Germany. According to data released by Eurostat last week Germany, with 8.3 births per 1,000 people, has the lowest birth rate in all of Europe. Eastern Germany, which not only suffers from a low birth rate, also has a declining population due to young people moving away because of high unemployment in the region. Europe as a whole suffers from a low birth rate and a growing elderly population. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
Having children is tough no matter where you live. But if you live in these 8 cities/counties, it's even tougher. Each survey we've looked at takes into consideration costs of housing, childcare, food, transportation, health care and other necessities (such as school supplies and clothing) and taxes. So without further delay, here are the 8 U.S. cities where it costs the most for two parents to raise two children. Many of which are near large cities so they should be of no surprise.
8. ROCKLAND COUNTY, NEW YORK
It costs $11,298 per month — $2,826 in child care alone.
7. PUTNAM COUNTY, NEW YORK
It costs a family of four $138,756 to pay the bills in this area, where the median family income is $116,190.
6. SUFFOLK COUNTY, NEW YORK
Child care on average it costs $34,476 per year. The cost to just get by? $11,564 per month.
5. NEW YORK CITY
NYC requires $139,788 each year for a family to get by.
4. NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK
Nassau County’s high child care costs ($2,908 a month on average) is the biggest contributor to being #4 on this list
3. SAN FRANCISCO
Between the extremely high housing costs and an average $20,064 a year in childcare costs...that's what makes San Fran #3
2. MATANUSKA-SUSITNA BOROUGH, ALASKA
Raising children here costs families $9,460 a month — or $113,520 a year.
1. SAN MATEO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Topping the list because a family of four needs $13,024 per month just to get by. Child care here is particularly pricey at $21,444 per year on average.
