Real Cost to Raise a Child: $310K Base + $80K Childcare + $100-300K College
USDA inflation-adjusted: $310K from birth to 18. Add $80K of childcare (heaviest in years 0-5). Add $100-300K for college. Realistic US total: $400K-$700K per child. Child #2 typically runs 60-70% of #1.