It's the phrase we hear time and time again. Everything is getting too expensive. Unfortunately, this may also be true when it comes to raising a family.

So much so, in fact, that some people might be second-guessing having kids. And sadly, that's a concern they rightfully should feel.

Can I afford a kid? How much will I have to make? Is it even possible in a state like New Jersey?

For that last statement, I can tell you with certainty that it is absolutely possible. But is it easy? Not always.

It's often said it takes a village, and sometimes that is true when it comes to raising kids. In fact, many of us don't know how we even afford it in New Jersey, but yet we manage.

And New Jersey is one of those states where this old saying is true. If you can make it work here, then you can pretty much make it work anywhere.

Now yes, the expenses can be quite high for some things, but we'll break it all down and focus on the expenses of just one child. Again, it is possible so don't be too spooked by the numbers.

Budgeting with children / parents raising kids
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Before we dive into that, we'll first check out the average salary when it comes to raising a child in the Great Garden State. Yes, it is kind of high, but don't be scared by it if you're thinking of starting a family.

Also note that these are just average numbers for 2024, which means your area will vary one way or another. As for which direction it varies will highly depend upon the part of the state you live in.

High expenses necessary to raise just one kid in NJ

Living Wage calculates the average costs and salaries necessary to raise children in a given region or state across the country. Below is the 2024 breakdown for just one child in New Jersey.

Gallery Credit: Mike Brant

LOOK: Average salary needed to get by in every U.S. state

According to data from GOBankingRates.com, The median salary across the U.S. a single person must make to get by collectively is $57,000. However, some states are far from that.

So how much higher or lower is your state to the national average, and which states are the top 10 most and least affordable overall? Let's find out.

Gallery Credit: Mike Brant

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The above post reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 Sunday morning host Mike Brant. Any opinions expressed are his own.

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