The cost of raising a child is spread over 18 years and shifts with age: child care dominates the early years, school-age costs are more moderate, and food, activities and technology push costs up again in the teens. How much a family spends depends above all on child care (which differs enormously between provinces), on housing (a bigger home or more rent), and on choices about activities, schooling and gear. This page breaks the cost down by stage and category, and sets out the government benefits that offset part of it. It is part of our directory of what things cost in Canada.
How costs change with age
| Stage | What drives spending |
|---|---|
| The first year | One-time gear, diapers and formula, and the income lost on parental leave; see the cost of having a baby |
| Ages 1 to 5 | Full-time child care, usually the largest single cost of raising a child |
| Ages 6 to 12 | Before- and after-school care and summer camps instead of full-day care; school supplies and activities |
| Ages 13 to 17 | Food, clothing, phones and technology, activities, and possibly a car and insurance |
The main categories
| Category | What affects it |
|---|---|
| Child care | The province and whether you get a reduced-fee licensed space, the child’s age, full or part time; see daycare costs by province |
| Housing | An extra bedroom or a bigger home, and the neighbourhood (school catchments) |
| Food | Rises steadily with age; teenagers eat about as much as adults |
| Clothing | Frequent size changes in early childhood; brand preferences in the teens |
| School | Supplies, fees, trips, and private school if chosen |
| Activities | Recreational programs cost far less than competitive sports or private lessons |
| Health | Dental, vision and prescriptions not covered by provincial plans or workplace benefits |
| Transportation | Car seats, a bigger vehicle, transit passes, and later a teen driver on the insurance |
| Savings for school | RESP contributions, if the family makes them |
Health costs for children are lower for families with workplace benefits; families without dental coverage may qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, which covers children in eligible families. Braces are a large one-time cost for many families; see the cost of braces.
Where you live
Child care and housing are where provinces and cities differ most. Every province has reduced-fee licensed child care under its agreement with the federal government, but the fees and the number of spaces differ, so families in the same city can pay very different amounts depending on whether they have a reduced-fee space. Housing costs are highest in the large metropolitan areas; see the cost of living guides.
Government benefits that offset the cost
The Canada Child Benefit
The Canada Child Benefit is a tax-free monthly payment, up to $8,157 a year for a child under 6 and $6,883 for a child aged 6 to 17 (July 2026 to June 2027), reduced once adjusted family net income passes $38,237.
At this year’s maximums, a child would receive 6 years × $8,157 plus 12 years × $6,883, or $131,538 over 18 years. The amounts are indexed each year and most families receive less than the maximum, so this is an upper bound, not a forecast.
Both parents need to file a tax return every year for the CCB to keep being paid.
Other benefits and deductions
| Benefit or deduction | What it does |
|---|---|
| Child care expense deduction | Deducts child care costs, up to annual limits by age, usually by the lower-income parent |
| RESP and the Canada Education Savings Grant | Government grants on education savings, up to a lifetime $7,200 per child |
| Provincial child benefits | Paid with the CCB in most provinces |
| The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (formerly the GST/HST credit) | An extra amount for each child |
Ways families lower the cost
| Approach | Where it saves |
|---|---|
| Getting on reduced-fee child care waitlists early | Child care, the largest cost |
| Recreational rather than competitive activities | Activities |
| Second-hand gear and clothing, hand-me-downs | Clothing and equipment |
| Meal planning and cooking at home | Food |
| Using workplace or government dental and vision coverage | Health |
| Libraries and free community programs | Activities and entertainment |
A checklist for new parents
| When | Step |
|---|---|
| Before the birth | Join child care waitlists; review parental leave and workplace benefits |
| At the birth | Apply for the CCB and the child’s SIN; add the child to health coverage |
| In the first year | Open an RESP; update your will and insurance |
The full list is in the first baby financial guide, and money for single-income households in single parent finances.
Related reading
- The cost of university
- Wedding costs
- The cost of owning a pet, for families thinking about a dog or cat
Sources
The figures and rules on this page come from these sources, last checked against them between August 29, 2026 and October 13, 2026. How we check facts.
- Canada Revenue Agency: How much you can get - Canada child benefit (CCB)
- Canada Revenue Agency: Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs)