The worst states for having a baby in 2026, according to data

Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s biggest milestones, but for many families it’s also becoming increasingly expensive. As childbirth costs continue to climb, where parents live can make a significant difference in both the financial burden and the quality of care they receive.

A new analysis by financial company WalletHub ranked the best and worst states for having a baby in 2026 by comparing all 50 states and the District of Columbia across four broad categories: cost, health care, baby-friendliness and family-friendliness. 

Big picture view:

The state also performed well on food security and childhood vaccination rates and offered what WalletHub called the nation’s best parental leave policies. Massachusetts also ranked as the best state overall for raising a family.

Minnesota finished second, bolstered by relatively low health insurance premiums averaging $437 per month, the nation’s second-lowest maternal mortality rate and a strong network of health care providers. Meanwhile, North Dakota placed third, driven largely by affordability. The average cost of a conventional delivery without complications was about $9,700 – the lowest in the country and significantly below the roughly $32,000 charged in the most expensive states. 

What they’re saying:

Best and worst states to have a baby in 2026

See the full report here.

Dig deeper:

Rising inflation has continued to push up the costs associated with pregnancy, childbirth and raising young children.

New data revealed that the cost of raising a child over 18 years is up again – now topping $300,000 for the first time since the company LendingTree began tracking it. 

That’s an average of $16,857 annually over 18 years, up 1.9% from a year ago. 

Original source: https://www.livenowfox.com/money