How Many Kids Can You Afford?

A child in Germany costs an average of 400 to 700 euros per month. Babies are around 290 euros (food, diapers, clothes), toddlers 300-400 euros (plus daycare fees), school children 350-500 euros and teenagers 500-700 euros. These amounts cover basic needs but not childcare or hobbies. With daycare, hobbies and proportional housing costs, a child can easily cost 800 to 1,200 euros per month.

Kindergeld in 2026 is a flat 250 euros per month per child. It is paid until the child's 18th birthday, or until 25 if in education or training. The application is made at the Family Benefits Office (Familienkasse). Payment is monthly and depends on the last digit of the Kindergeld number.

According to the Federal Statistical Office, a child costs an average of around 165,000 euros from birth to age 18. With an upscale lifestyle, private school and many hobbies, this can reach 280,000 euros. Frugal families manage with 120,000 to 140,000 euros. Not included are income losses from parental leave and reduced working hours.

Daycare costs vary widely. Public daycare costs 0 to 400 euros per month depending on the city - in Berlin, Hamburg and some regions it's completely free. Private daycare charges 450 to 800 euros monthly. Childminder care runs about 600 euros. Fees are often income-dependent and decrease with more siblings. The national average is about 200 euros monthly.

There is no fixed minimum income for children. As a rule of thumb, after deducting rent and fixed costs, at least 500 to 800 euros per child should remain. With a household net of 2,500 euros and 800 euros rent, you can afford one child - but it will be tight. Government support like Kindergeld (250 euros), parental allowance, housing benefit and child supplement can significantly improve the situation.

Key benefits include: Kindergeld (250 euros/month per child), parental allowance (65-100% of net income, max 1,800 euros, 12-14 months), child supplement (up to 292 euros/month for low income), housing benefit, Education and Participation package (BuT), advance maintenance for single parents (up to 272 euros/month), maternity benefit and tax-free allowances for children.

The second child is not twice as expensive as the first. Through sibling synergies (passing down clothes, shared room until age 6, family rates for activities) you save about 20-30% compared to the first child. However, from the second child you often need a larger apartment, which costs an extra 120 to 350 euros per month depending on location.

For one or two children, a normal car usually suffices. From three children, the back seat gets tight - then you need a station wagon or van, which can cost 100 to 200 euros more per month (leasing, insurance, fuel). Many urban families manage without a car, using cargo bikes, public transport and car sharing instead.

Financial experts recommend saving 50 to 150 euros per month per child. Over 18 years at 5% return, this builds a portfolio of 17,000 to 52,000 euros by the 18th birthday. Popular options are ETF savings plans in the child's name (junior depot) or a classic savings account. Important: Secure your own retirement first, then save for children.

Often underestimated: income losses from parental leave and part-time work (often the biggest item), higher insurance costs (liability, possibly dental), constantly new clothes and shoes (children grow!), gifts for other children's birthdays, babysitter costs for going out, broken items (smartphones, furniture), and emotional strain that can translate into self-care spending.