Raising a child involves a wide range of expenses, from nursery fees and nappies to new clothes and pocket money. But just how much can parents in the UK expect to spend during their child’s upbringing?
Looking at various factors, including the cost of childcare, essential items, and recreational activities, new research from Shepherds Friendly has determined the average cost of raising children, from birth through to age 18 (please note that these figures are based on average figures and may vary due to inflation).
The average cost of raising a child in the UK is £212,961*
Taking into account essential expenses like food, transportation, and clothing, as well as extra costs for driving lessons, pocket money, and recreational activities, the research has found that the total average cost of raising a child in the UK from birth to age 18 is £212,961.*
From an early age, the cost of children can be a shock to new parents. For example, the research has found that parents will spend around £917 on nappies alone for the two years in total that children typically wear them.
Looking at the total cost of household necessities (food, housing costs, transport, clothing, school uniform and nappies), the cost of basics for children up until the age of 18 could amount to around £113,720. Big costs include spending on housing, fuel and power could amount to £43,015 per child up until the age of 18, whilst spending on food throughout a child’s lifetime could total £25,842.
It costs an average of £233,707* to bring up a child in the UK with full-time childcare
Many parents will be working full-time jobs while raising a child and will need to pay for full-time childcare to make this possible.
With guidance suggesting children shouldn’t be left supervised until the age of 12, full-time childcare could be setting parents back £89,243 between the ages of zero and 12 (including preschool childcare, after-school care and care during the summer holidays). Meanwhile, childcare costs for part-time parents could amount to £47,751, just over half of what it costs full-time parents.
Taking into account costs for full-time childcare, the study reveals it could cost full-time working parents £233,707 to raise a child, whilst it could cost part-time working parents requiring part-time childcare £192,214 to raise a child.
*Figures are based on averages and may fluctuate with inflation.
| Age | Item | Weekly PP | Yearly PP | No of years | Total cost* |
| 0-2 | Cost of nappies | £8.82 | £458.50 | 2 | £825.30 |
| 0-4 | Cost of childcare/nursery (full-time) | £659.10 (average for children aged 0-4) | £34,272.94 (average for children aged 0-4) | 5 | £54,451.28 |
| 0-4 | Cost of childcare/nursery (part-time) | £344.54 (average for children aged 0-4) | £17,915.82 (average for children aged 0-4) | 5 | £28,467.40 |
| 4-12 | Cost of after-school club (full-time) | £69.14 | £2,696.46 | 7 | £18,875.22 |
| 4-12 | Cost of after-school club (part-time) | £41.48 | £1,617.88 | 7 | £11,325.13 |
| 4-12 | Price of holiday childcare (full-time) | £174.91 | £2,273.83 | 7 | £15,916.81 |
| 4-12 | Price of holiday childcare (part-time) | £174.91 | £1,136.92 | 7 | £7,958.41 |
| 0-18 | Food and non-alcoholic beverages | £27.61 | £1,435.65 | 18 | £25,841.74 |
| 0-18 | Housing, fuel and power | £45.96 | £2,389.74 | 18 | £43,015.30 |
| 0-18 | Transport | £34.43 | £1,790.61 | 18 | £32,230.96 |
| 0-18 | Recreation and culture | £28.43 | £1,478.61 | 18 | £26,614.96 |
| 0-18 | Clothing and footwear | £7.30 | £379.83 | 18 | £6,836.87 |
| 5-16 | Pocket money | £53.17 (average across 12 years) | £2,764.84(average across 12 years | 12 | £2,764.8 |
| 4-11 | Primary school uniform | £6.79 | £352.86 | 7 | £2,470.02 |
| 11-16 | Secondary school uniform | £9.26 | £481.77 | 5 | £2,408.85 |
| 17 | Cost to learn to drive (includes cost of provisional licence, driving lessons and driving theory and practical tests) | £26.21 | £1,363.00 | 1 | £1,363.00 |
Parents will need to pay an additional £4,409** a year for children going to university by 2040
The costs of raising a child often continue beyond their school years, as 50% of university students report that their main source of funding comes from their parents.
Taking into account the average amount suggested that parents contribute financially towards university living, parents may need to contribute an average of £367 per month, approximately £4,409 annually, by 2040 to support their children through university. However, this amount can vary significantly based on family income and varying maintenance loans.
Many parents may also assist their children in purchasing their first home. By 2040, the study predicts that the average house price in the UK is projected to rise to £376,529, meaning that a 20% deposit could cost around £75,306, and a 10% deposit around £37,653.
Derence Lee, Chief Finance Officer at Shepherds Friendly says: “While there will always be significant costs associated with raising a child, planning ahead is one of the most effective ways to avoid being hit with large unexpected costs.
“A part of this could be teaching your child about the benefits of saving money to help them with their money management in the future, as well as encourage them to save for any items they specifically want. Setting up a Junior ISA, for example, is a great way to help you save money on behalf of your child, whether that’s for funding a first car or deposit for a first home, whilst also teaching them about the value of money and allowing them to experience the satisfaction of reaching a savings goal.”
For more information on the cost of raising a child, see the full results here: https://www.shepherdsfriendly.co.uk/resources/cost-to-raise-a-child-2024/
*Figures are based on averages and may fluctuate with inflation. Please note that total cost is reflective of data from current sources and parents will need to make provisions for rising costs.
**These figures are not included in the total cost of raising a child.
