Cost Calculator Test Site
In Rhode island, raising a family with children is expensive. Whether or not a family can afford child care depends on income remaining after paying basic household expenses.
The family calculator allows users to select their family size. Based on the median income for a family of that size, users can see whether or not the family can access the licensed child care market after paying basic monthly expenses.
Child Care Affordability
Sources
- Links to Data Sources
Auto-populated expenses reflect the monthly averages for all Rhode Island households.
Type in actual monthly expenses if higher or lower than the average.
Vehicle related expenses reflect the monthly averages for one vehicle and one driver in Rhode Island. Double these expenses if the family has 2 cars. If the family has 1 car, but 2 drivers, double the car insurance payment field.
Type in actual monthly expenses if higher or lower than the average.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2021 American Community Survey, 5-Year Estimates; U.S. Energy Information Administration; U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Thrifty Food Plan; Move.Org; Silver and Gold Health Plans on HealthSourceRI.com; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration; the 2021 Rhode Island Child Care Market Rate Survey Report, and the Rhode Island FY2022-2024 CCDF State Plan. For additional information related to sources (links, tables, and articles), download the Sources list.
Resources
Customize Expenses
Child Care Subsidy
In Rhode Island, a family earns too much income to qualify for child care subsidy with earnings above 44% of state median income (about $3,294 monthly for a family of 3).
Customize Need for Child Care
In this field, enter 1 if you have 1 child who needs care. Enter 2 if you have 2 children who need care. If you have triplets, enter 3.
Customize Need for Child Care
In this field, enter 1 if you have 1 child who needs care. Enter 2 if you have 2 children who need care. If you have 3 children in this age bracket who need care, enter 3.
Customize Need for Child Care
In this field, enter 1 if you have 1 child who needs care. Enter 2 if you have 2 children who need care. If you have 3 children in this age bracket who need care, enter 3.
Price for All Children
In this field, your selections are added together for a total monthly child care expense.
Child Care Prices
The price of child care varies based on the age and number of children in care as well as the type of setting. Select options to reflect the price of licensed care based on your preferences.
Vehicle Expenses
Customize Need for Child Care
In this field, enter 1 if you have 1 child who needs care. Enter 2 if you have 2 children who need care. If you have 3 children in this age bracket who need care, enter 3.
Methodology
- Rhode Island Child Care Affordability Calculator Methodology
In Rhode Island, 91% of households have at least 1 car. On average, RI households have 2 cars.
Health Insurance: The Vantage Blue Direct Plan with a monthly family premium of $1,691 includes a deductible of $3,000. Other silver and gold plans with a less expensive monthly premium had much higher annual deductibles (e.g., $5,000 to $10,000).
