Twin Cities now 8th costliest U.S. metro to raise a child
SmartAsset ranked the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metro the eighth most expensive of 48 large U.S. metropolitan areas to raise a child in 2026.[1]
The group's estimate puts the yearly cost for one child in a two-working-adult household at $33,307, signaling higher household expenses for families across the Twin Cities.[1]
Child care is the largest component, at $19,509 per year, followed by food at $2,172 and other expenses totaling $11,626.[1] The total annual cost in the Twin Cities rose just over 8 percent from February 2025 to February 2026.[1]
SmartAsset evaluated 48 large U.S. metropolitan areas for its ranking.[1] In the Twin Cities, child care represents roughly 59 percent of the estimated annual cost for one child, a share that helps explain the metro's high placement.[1]
Rising child care costs and the overall jump in yearly expenses are likely to squeeze family budgets and influence choices about work and child care arrangements.
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📌 Key Facts
- SmartAsset ranks Minneapolis–St. Paul–Bloomington 8th most expensive of 48 large U.S. metros for raising a child in 2026.
- Annual cost for one child in a two‑working‑adult household is estimated at $33,307.
- Child care is the largest component at $19,509 per year, with food at $2,172 and other expenses at $11,626.
- Total annual cost rose just over 8% from February 2025 to February 2026 in the Twin Cities.
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