I didn't make those numbers up. They came straight from the USDA and include actual estimated costs that actual Americans paid to raise their children. My numbers were adjusted for my city which is more expensive than average. The $3,000/month is averaging out the total cost over the lifetime of a child, not what a parent would expect to pay on a monthly basis.

Here is the report. If you feel strongly that their information is wrong, contact the USDA: https://fns-prod.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/crc2015_M...

I can’t find your $3,000 per month. Your reference ranges from less than $1000 to maybe $1500 per month.

And 1/3 of that is housing, yet, I know plenty of couples without kids have 2 or 3 bedroom homes. Converting your old office to a kids bedroom isn’t increasing your monthly housing cost.

This report is more “costs we can attribute to children” rather than “additional costs as a result of children”.

Like I said... my city is more expensive than the average, my number is for two kids, and I included funding for college.

I am not here to defend the USDA report. Take it up with them if you disagree.