How much does each child cost?

How the benchmark works

1. 01 — Each age band (0–2, 3–5, 6–11, 12–17) has a typical monthly cost across seven categories, for a middle-income family in an average-cost area.
2. 02 — It is adjusted for where you live (−15% to +25%) and household income (−20% to +35%):benchmark = age reference × cost-of-living factor × income factor
3. 03 — Anything from 75% to 130% of the benchmark counts as the usual range for similar families.

Questions parents ask

Is this calculator anonymous?

Yes. It runs entirely in your browser and nothing you type is stored or sent. The comparison uses fixed reference figures built into the page, not data from any SharedNest household. Shared links only contain ages and area settings, never your amounts.

How much does a child cost per month?

In an average-cost area, a middle-income family typically spends around €540 a month on a 6–11 year old and €610 on a teenager. Under-threes often cost more than school-age children because of childcare.

Where do the reference figures come from?

They are indicative estimates modelled on publicly available cost-of-raising-a-child studies, adjusted for local cost of living and household income. Treat them as a sense check, not an exact target.

Why does income change the benchmark?

Families with higher incomes consistently spend more per child on activities, clothes and childcare. Comparing with families on similar incomes gives a fairer picture.

What should I do if one child costs far more than the benchmark?

Look at the category bars: it is usually one line — childcare, a sport or orthodontics — rather than everything. Decide whether that's a choice you're happy with, then give it its own budget.