Having a child costs money. Like, lots of money. It’s true in France, but it’s even more true across the Atlantic! I’ll let you judge for yourself, but honestly… It’s pretty impressive. Funny for a country where some states prohibit abortion. There, it is said.
1. Childbirth
Table of Contents
Let’s start at the beginning, shall we.
To USA : we start strong. Giving birth in the USA costs… From $14,000 to $40,000. Yes, you read that right. It tingles very very strong.
In France : the cost of childbirth is estimated at €2,400, most of the costs being covered by Social Security and mutual health insurance. Obviously, the bill can get heavier if you choose a private clinic, and depending on the fees of the specialists.
2. The nursery / crèche
To USA : According to a Care.com survey, the national average for weekly child care rates was $694 per week (PER WEEK) for a nanny and one child. On the crèche side, it costs $226 for a young child.
In France : nannies must be paid at least the minimum wage, i.e. €1,329 net per month on the basis of 35 hours. On the crèche side, you have to pay between 160 € (based on a two-child household) and 240 € per month and per child. In reality, it depends on the income of the parents. When they earn more than 4000 € per month, the place in a crèche can cost 800 to 1000 € per month.
3. School
To USA : the school costs an arm. Even two arms. A whole soul, in fact. Whether it is kindergarten (between $800 and $1,000 per month), elementary school (from $7,800 to $41,333 in the private sector), or even universities ($15 to $20,000 per year for the least expensive establishments and more than $100,000 for the most reputable), studying in the USA is always expensive.
In France : studies in the public are free (we simply ask to pay registration fees). It is in French law. It is even one of the Jules Ferry laws, adopted in 1881 and stipulating free education.
4. Food
To USA : The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) publishes monthly reports on the food costs of a “typical” family, made up of two parents and two children (6 to 8 years old and 9 to 11 years old). According to these estimates, in 2021, a family going to discount stores spends around $855 per month, and $1,416 for those with a high standard of living.
In France : the travel budget for the same family profile, the food budget can vary between 400 and 1,000 euros per month.
5. Layers
To USA : on the Wegmans website, a pack of 28 “Pampers baby dry” diapers in size 4 costs $9.99.
In France : on the Monoprix website, the same package, of the same brand, but with only 26 nappies costs €10.50.
Yes, it’s kif-kif, but a little more expensive with us this time.
6. Housing
Often, the arrival of a child in a couple, or a new baby in a family, induces a move to a house or a slightly larger apartment, capable of accommodating all these little people. Inevitably: it impacts the family budget. The higher the rents, the more it tingles… Hey, the Americans?
To USA : In San Francisco, the most expensive city in the whole country, the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $4,680/month. Yes, you read that right.
In France : In Paris, you will have to pay an average of 1770 € per month, for the same surface. It’s super expensive, but in the end, next to San Francisco, it’s vaaaaaaa!
7. Health
To USA : $400 for a dermatologist, between $120 and $230 for a general practitioner, or even $200 for a pediatrician. I assure you that children had better not pretend to be sick to miss an exam. Deprived of dessert for life.
In France : an appointment with the doctor will cost us 25 € (and will be mostly reimbursed). Of course, some alternative medicine, such as osteopathy, is more expensive (approximately €60) and not/partially reimbursed, other specialists ask for slightly venerable fees, but still, overall… We say thank you to the Secu!
8. The Colgate Smile
To USA : Orthodontics costs an average of $3,000. Selling a kidney to buy teeth is a concept like any other.
In France : it’s better, but it’s not cheap! Your child’s smile will still cost you $1,300 (on average). A minute of silence for parents of large families.
9. A magical day at Disney
To USA : let’s goooo go into debt over 20 years. In high season, for two days and access to all the parks, you will have to pay €337 for those over 10 years old or €328 for 3-9 year olds.
In France : in the same context (2 days, access to all parks, in high season), entry will cost €224 for an adult and €206 for a child. Afterwards, here, we are talking about 2 parks, VS 4 to the stateeees.