WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Raising a child in Florida has never been more expensive — and for many parents, it's becoming overwhelming.
Melissa North is a single mom juggling it all.
"You have to manage health care, food, everyday expenses, plus daycare," North explains. "It never stops."
WATCH:
New data from LendingTree reveals Florida is now the 14th most expensive state to raise a child. The price tag? More than $280,000 from birth to age 18 — up from nearly $254,000 just last year.
"In my opinion, I think that's low because just daily having to provide (is expensive)," North said.
Like many parents, North watches a huge chunk of her paycheck disappear into daycare costs — more than $1,600 every month. Those sky-high child care expenses are one reason WalletHub recently ranked Florida among the worst states for working moms.
"There are some strides with women and higher-paying positions, but when you're still making 85% of what men make, that's an issue that needs to be addressed," explains Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst.
