I ask after new research has revealed life for people with children is an average of £400 a month more expensive than it is for people who don’t have kids.

And I’m sorry, but I reckon that figure is way off the mark.

raise a child

We pay almost double that a month in nursery fees for just one child. Not to mention the after school clubs for her brother and sister, the shoes they’re all constantly growing out of and the food they don’t stop eating.

Of course, how much you spend will depend largely on how many children you have and the ages between them.

raise a child

For example, two at nursery at the same time = eye watering monthly outgoings in nursery fees alone. But individual circumstances aside, just how much more expensive is life with children?

How much does it REALLY cost to raise a child?

The new research, commissioned by shoe shop Deichmann and shared by Netmums, surveyed more than 2,000 adults and found that couples without children have an average expenditure of £1,006 a month, while those with one or more children have average monthly outgoings of £1,406. (I don’t know about you but can’t help but think: and the rest!)

raise a child

So where does this extra £400 a month go?

The 10 biggest expenses for parents

According to Deichmann’s survey the biggest expenses for parents are:

1. Paying rent or a mortgage

2. Paying bills

3. Buying food

4. Holidays and trips away

5. Buying clothes

6. Cinema trips

7. Gym memberships

8. Buying shoes

9. Sports clubs

10. Buying alcoholic drinks (love the fact that alcohol makes the list!)

I’m not surprised to see holidays and trips away so high on the list – the increase in prices during school holidays ought to be criminal – but I find it interesting childcare fees don’t feature. Or perhaps they fall under paying bills.

raise a child

Either way, I can’t help but wonder how much it really costs to raise a child. My answer is a lot – and it’s probably best not to do the calculations!

What do you think? Do you think an extra £400 a month is about right for people with kids? Or way off the mark?! I’d love to know your thoughts!

If you liked this you may also enjoy reading:

5 easy ways to cut the cost of car insurance 

Why I’m sorry to say goodbye to Mothercare

Does having a fourth baby make me selfish?