What costs should I expect?
Initial equipment: Even before the child is born, some purchases are necessary: a stroller, a set of rompers, a crib and a changing table are definitely among them. Maybe you can buy some items secondhand or borrow them from friends to save money. You can read on our site what else belongs to the starter kit.
Clothing: Especially at the beginning you will have to buy new clothing more often, because children grow faster than you think. However, demands increase with age. Even if they don't necessarily have to be brand-name items, boys and girls will soon know very precisely what they like to wear.
Food: If you breastfeed after the birth, there will initially be no costs for food. Later, however, another little eater will be sitting at the table.
Toys: As your child gets older and more curious, activities are needed. That often brings a new cuddly toy or toy into the child's room. As they get older, their wishes grow: for a game console, their own mobile phone and other gadgets you'll have to dig deeper into your pockets.
Hobbies: Swimming lessons, an instrument or another hobby: if you want to offer your child something in their free time, you usually have to pay for it.
Hidden costs: The equipment and everything around it – fine and all. However, there are also costs that are not immediately obvious. For example, extended insurance and additional costs for water and electricity. Many also forget about reduced income if one partner cares for the child, or costs for childcare such as daycare, kindergarten or a childminder in their planning.
What does a child cost? – The older they get, the more expensive
About €130,000 up to the 18th birthday – but what exactly does that mean per month and do expenses change with the child's age? It can't be determined exactly, because parents who earn more also spend more on average for their child. And if there are already siblings, the expenses per child per month decrease. The Federal Statistical Office only estimates the costs of consumer expenditures. Childcare allowance, reduced salary and other opportunity costs such as a larger apartment, a new car or similar vary too much and are left out of the following figures. These assumptions refer to a family with one child:
Until starting school:
For children up to six years old, parents pay around €520 per month. That makes about €6,200 per year until your child starts school.
From six to twelve years:
Now monthly costs for larger toys, fashionable clothing and hobbies are added. Class trips and excursions also have to be paid for. For children in this age group parents must reckon with about €604 per month. That makes €7,248 per year.
From twelve years:
Up to adulthood the monthly costs rise once more. Higher pocket money, their own mobile phone and costs for vocational training amount to about €700 per month. Additionally, not every child moves out on their 18th birthday and continues to live at home for free. Even after moving out many parents continue to support their children during vocational training and university studies.
Government subsidies for parents
To support parents, there are different benefits from the state in Germany. It's best to check with the responsible authorities which funds may apply to you. Basically you are entitled to the following benefits:
Child benefit or child tax allowance: Child benefit is income-independent and is paid up to the age of 18. Alternatively, there is the child tax allowance, which is not taxed in the income declaration. The tax office determines for you which option fits better.
Parental allowance: This support is paid to you after the birth of the child if you do not have it cared for in a state institution. The amount is based on the net salary you earned before the birth.
Maternity pay: As a female employee, you are entitled to your net salary during maternity leave.
