re: When are kids most expensive?

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can't imagine how a teenager going to public school could cost more.

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My youngest are 21 - Mrs. Midnight did the math a few years back - the "free" public education cost us, give or take, and average of about $1,000, per year, per child - that was money that went to the school for various reasons, lunch money, etc, plus school supplies and uniforms. This also covers their graduation/prom expenses.

That was NOT scouting money, non-school sports team money, band instruments, dance class, and other hard charges for their activities during that time - nor does that cover their utility expenses, food they ate at home.

My best estimate is that - for school-aged children, from birth to high school graduation - is, give or take $4,500 to $5,000 per child, per year(assuming public school) - although that is probably lower per child as the number of children goes up (ecomony of scale, better utilization of hand me downs, etc.)

Your mileage may vary.