USDA 2026 estimates — birth to age 18
Financial advisors typically recommend 10-15× your annual income in life insurance coverage to protect your family's ability to meet future expenses.
529 plans offer tax-free growth for education expenses. Compare the best 529 plans to find one with low fees and strong investment options:
Compare 529 Plans →Estimates based on USDA's "Expenditures on Children by Families" report. Actual costs vary by location, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. College costs assume 4-year public university, adjusted for 5% annual inflation.
Tools that pair well with this calculator — selected by our team.
| Tool | Best For | Network |
|---|---|---|
| Savingforcollege.com | 529 plans | Direct |
| Lively | HSA for family health expenses | Direct |
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USDA estimates: $21,000-$31,000 per year from birth to age 18 (in 2023 dollars), depending on household income. That's $250K-$370K total. Lower-income families spend ~$175K. Housing and food are the biggest categories.
A tax-advantaged education savings account. Money grows tax-free and withdrawals for qualified education expenses are tax-free. Most states offer 529 plans, and many offer state tax deductions for contributions. Anyone can contribute — grandparents, relatives, friends.
Public 4-year in-state: ~$100K total. Private 4-year: ~$220K total. For a newborn, if you invest $200/month at 7% returns, you'll have ~$85K by age 18. Start early and let compounding work. Any savings is better than none.