New data from the Department of Labor highlights the financial strain child care expenses have placed on U.S. families, with costs ranging from $6,552 to $15,600 per child in 2022. These figures often exceed the median annual rent in many areas, with families typically spending 9% to 16% of their income on daycare. The rising costs have become a significant burden for many households. Gretchen Livingston from the Women’s Bureau noted that these expenses are unsustainable for many families. The findings shed light on one of the major financial pressures leading up to the 2024 election, though an NBC News analysis suggests there are political limits to addressing this issue.
