Raising a child born in 2012 until the age of 18 in the United States would cost an average of $241,080 according to a CNNMoney report. This cost includes expenses for housing, food, clothing, healthcare, education, and other miscellaneous needs. Teen pregnancy can negatively impact high school graduation rates as parenting responsibilities compete with schoolwork. The costs of childcare and college also contribute significantly to the total cost of raising a child.