The Cost of Raising a Child in Canada

Raising children comes with steady, rising costs that can strain even well-planned budgets. Add inflation, housing pressure and the pace of modern life, and it’s no wonder many parents feel stretched at times. Statistics Canada estimates that the average cost of raising a child in Canada from birth to age 17 is roughly $293,000* for a middle-income, two-parent family with two children.

And yet, raising a family isn’t just a financial equation. It’s a joy, a commitment and a long-term investment in something truly special and being prepared for the costs ahead will help you focus on what matters most.

This article breaks down the everyday costs of raising a child and helps you budget for them realistically, so you can focus more on the moments that matter.

How much does it cost to raise a child in Canada?

On average, families spend roughly $17,000 per year, per child. But there is a fair bit of variation in that number – costs depend on age, location, childcare access and family choices.

Why costs feel higher today

If it feels more expensive than ever to raise a child, you’re not imagining things. Here’s why:

• Inflation and cost-of-living pressures affect groceries, clothing and the cost of activities

• Higher expectations for children to excel mean parents are investing more in elite sports programs, tutoring and camps

• Childcare demand continues to outpace availability, especially in urban centres. While the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care system  (CWELCC) has helped lower average fees, many families still struggle to secure a spot, often turning to more expensive alternatives when licensed care isn’t available.

Expenses that change as children age

As your child grows, the costs can change too. Not all at once, and not always in obvious ways, but each stage will bring its own mix of expenses.

• Infancy: Childcare and one-time startup costs as you get set up

• School-age children: Activities, camps, supplies and care gaps between school hours

• Teen years: Food, clothing, technology and transportation costs as your child develops independence and individuality

And when you consider other everyday expenses, such as dental care, vision, orthodontics or prescription medicines, annual out-of-pocket costs can add up to anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over $1,000 per year, depending on needs and your coverage.

While no two families budget the same way, the estimates below can help you get a sense of how these costs often break down over the course of a year.

       Typical annual child-related expenses in Canada (per child)

Item	Estimated Annual Cost Per Child
Childcare	$0-$6,5002
Food	$3,0003
Clothing	$1,2003
School & Activities	$2,4003
Health & Miscellaneous	$2,4003