Alita O'Leary
By Brad Beckett on September 1, 2026
A recent report from Redfin says in the U.S., the typical working family buying a home could spend roughly half (52%) of their annual income on housing and childcare combined.
A recent report from Redfin says in the U.S., the typical working family buying a home could spend roughly half (52%) of their annual income on housing and childcare combined. However, they also point out that where a family lives can dramatically change how much of their budget goes toward these two major expenses.
A few key points:
- Where a family lives can change the affordability equation.
- Childcare costs can ease as children enter public pre-K or kindergarten.
- Lower-cost metros in the Midwest and South have housing and childcare that consume a smaller share of income.
