Think Raising Kids Is Pricey Now? Here's What It Cost In The '80s

Kids are expensive, but since those costs add up gradually over time, you might not be aware of the  the total amount. In 2026, LendingTree estimated that the costs of raising a kid in the United States from birth to adulthood are approximately $303,000. For comparison, average U.S. home prices were just over $500,000 in July, so two kids cost substantially more than a house. While this is no easy financial feat, 1980s families faced child-related costs that were sometimes even more expensive. Back in 1983, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated that the costs for raising a kid ranged from $81,000 to $90,000. Taking inflation into account, those numbers are approximately $287,000 to $319,000 today.

Inflation was also a key consideration then as well, as it hit a massive 14% rate in 1980. As a result, child costs rose as well — nearly $12,000 more in 1982 than two years earlier. Although inflation was already down to 6% by 1982, those double-digit numbers had changed mindsets and behavior, and consumers may have been wary about it going back up. In addition, recessions in the early '80s caused financial upheaval as people worried about job security. Although houses were slightly cheaper than the cost of raising a kid, high interest rates bumped up mortgage payments.

Inflation rates in 2026 are around 3.5%, but just like 40-plus years ago, costs have jumped significantly in a few years. From 2023 to 2026, kid-raising costs increased by almost $66,000, which, coincidentally, was almost enough to buy a house in 1980.

While 1980s parents might have been struggling with high prices and high-interest rates on loans, they didn't have expenses like monthly cell phone and internet service fees. They also weren't spending their cash on childcare centers. Back in 1982, only 15% of working moms relied on day care centers if they had kids who weren't old enough for school, according to a 1986 study by the Office of Social Services Policy.

In 2026, Pew Research Center found 50% of families utilize daycare centers and preschools. Beyond needing care for the babies and preschoolers, parents are also paying for care for older kids.  Whether it's before or after school or during summer break, today's parents are trying to fill in any gaps between school and work schedules. In contrast, '80s parents were more likely to leave their kids home for a few hours, especially during the time between dismissal and the end of the workday. While those extra days and hours of childcare add up over time, the biggest financial hit is during a kid's first year. In 2026, parents were paying over $17,000 on average for infant care.

However, when it comes to entertainment options, 21st-century parents get a break on costs. Not only can parents often track down a kid's favorite movie or show relatively quickly and via streaming, TVs are a lot more cost-effective. Midway through the '80s, a new TV cost around $500, and a VCR was another $200 to $400. In 2026, families can spend that same amount and get a TV twice as big. They're also more likely to have multiple screens, including tablets, so there's no arguing about what to watch.