Is Childcare More Expensive Than College in Colorado?

Many of us are in college debt, and as a parent, you may already be saving up for your children or stressing about how much it will cost one day. College isn't cheap and puts many Americans into years of debt. Having children is also not cheap, as the cost of diapers, food, childcare, and clothes adds up quickly. While college debt can last decades, is it actually more expensive than childcare in Colorado?

The Cost of Childcare vs College

Childcare is expensive everywhere. Finding someone to watch your child for a few hours or the whole day adds up, no matter if it is a nanny or daycare. College is also expensive, and depending on your degree, can set you back for years in terms of debt. Vettory.org recently revealed which states cost more for childcare than college, and according to the study, Massachusetts is where childcare costs the most, costing an average of $26,343 a year, or 14.9% of a married couple's income, compared to only $14,345 a year for college tuition. Coming in at second is Maryland, and rounding out the top three is Hawaii. How does Colorado compare, and how much do parents spend on childcare compared to college tuition in the Centennial State?

The Cost of Child Care vs College Tuition in Colorado

Colorado is known to have higher childcare costs than other states in the country. It is tough for parents to afford multiple children when sending them to daycare or looking for a nanny. That is why many parents count down the days until their kids go to kindergarten and start saving them money. According to the study, Colorado ranks sixth for the highest childcare costs in America. On average, parents spend $20,978 a year on childcare, or 14.3% of a married couple's income. Comparing that to what a year of college tuition is in Colorado, an average year costs $9,798. As much as parents stress about their kids going to college, it will actually be much cheaper than their kid going to daycare.

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Yes, kids are expensive, but they are worth these costs. One day they will come off your payroll and be on their own, but until then, you likely will have to fork up some money. If you are debating having multiple kids, this might make you reconsider. Who knew a kid learning to color and count to five would cost more than someone getting a college degree in Colorado?

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Check Out Colorado’s Abandoned ‘Little Log Cabin’ Daycare

WARNING: Under no circumstances should you enter this property. By doing so you risk bodily harm and/or prosecution for trespassing on private property.

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Gallery Credit: Nate Wilde