How much does it cost to have a baby in New Jersey?

There are many questions when deciding to have a baby.

Are we ready for a huge commitment? Does my state allow time off from work? Are we physically and mentally prepared? Can I pay for the cost of having a baby and pay for everything once the child is there?

My wife Sierra and I recently welcomed our son into the world on February 24th and it cost us a decent amount, even with insurance. Which got me wondering: How much does it cost to have a baby in New Jersey compared to other states?

The average regular birth in the United States costs about $4,700 with insurance and without insurance about $11,000 in 2021. Cesarean births cost about $7,000 with insurance and $14,000 without insurance.

Now on to New Jersey, and you might want to sit down before reading this. New Jersey is in a tie at five for the most expensive state for childbirth, at around $28,000. This is three times the national average. Only New York, California, Nevada and Florida come close.

If $28,000 isn’t enough, you still need to assemble the nursery. According to momlovesbest.com, after adding all the toys, crib, dresser, changing pad, bassinet, and more, you’re looking at spending around $100,000.

The bottom line is simple, New Jersey needs to set its delivery charges. When you add in everything else, from food to doctor visits, it can feel a bit overwhelming. However, this article is not meant to discourage you.

Having a good support system always helps. Plus, hosting a baby shower can significantly cut costs. Being a parent is difficult but an experience I wouldn’t change for the world. Wait until you’re ready, have lots of talks and good luck!