There’s no denying the joys of parenthood… but, oh baby, those joys will cost you! Expenses start to add up quickly when you consider health care expenses such as the cost of delivery (an estimated $10,000 in the US, on average), one-time expenses like strollers and cribs, and ongoing purchases, such as diapers and formula. Fortunately, if you live in Massachusetts, you’re in a prime locale for child rearing, according to the findings of a new report.
Massachusetts ranks #2 among all 50 states and the District of Columbia, based on 26 key measures of cost, health care accessibility, and baby/family-friendliness, WalletHub says. Other New England states Vermont (1) and New Hampshire (4) also made the top five, with Connecticut (6) landing in the top 10.
Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts all received high marks in categories concerning the quality and availability of health care, finishing in the top three for lowest infant-mortality rate, as well as most pediatricians and family doctors per capita. However, Massachusetts was found to have the overall highest average annual infant-care costs (tied for #50 with the District of Columbia). So, that top-tier care will cost new parents in the Bay State.
Oklahoma, Louisiana, South Carolina, Alabama and Mississippi occupy the five lowest spots on the list.
Click here for the full rankings.