The birth of a child changes an individual’s life in every way. There are so many aspects to consider when it comes to having and raising a child. It requires practical and emotional preparations, but also financial ones.

But how much does a child actually cost? Here is an overview.

According to the Association of Swiss Cantonal Banks, the average cost of raising a child to the age of majority in Switzerland is around 330’000 CHF. In other words, around 1,527 CHF per month.

These figures do not take into account the indirect costs, such as missed career opportunities, the reduction in workload and the resulting reduction in pension provision, and it is difficult to know what opportunities you are really missing out on when you decide in favour of a family. Therefore, it is very individual and difficult to give an exact amount that a child costs. Nevertheless, here are a few guidelines:

0-4 years: 1’300 – 1’595 CHF/month

In the first years of life, expenditure on baby items, food and basic medical care is kept to a minimum, around 17’000 CHF per year. 

5-12 years: 1’550 CHF/month

By growing up, there are additional costs for school materials and leisure activities of around 18’000 CHF per year. 

13-18 years: 1’800 CHF/month

With the onset of teenagehood, needs increase in the areas of clothing, leisure and education. This leads to annual expenditure of around 21’000 CHF per year.

The first child costs the most, the subsequent ones less

Clothes, pram, changing table,… Everything has to be bought new for the first child. The second and subsequent children reuse many of these things.

In addition, with the second child, the parents have experience of which particular products they need and where these can be found at the best price. 

Many costs, such as food, increase only moderately with the number of children. And you can often benefit from childcare discounts with two or more children. 

Family allowances

Fortunately, all families (regardless of income) receive child allowances, although these vary from canton to canton. This sum is intended to help parents cushion the costs of having children. 

There are two types of family allowance: 

  • Child allowance: at least 215 CHF per month from 2025 for children up to the age of 16;
  • Education allowance: at least 268 CHF per month from 2025 for children in education aged between 16 and 25.

Incidentally, children cost less the lower your income is. This is due to the fact that it is primarily low-income parents who receive financial support from the state, be it for health insurance premiums or childcare.

Conclusion: financial planning helps you 

If you are aware of your finances, you can also more easily determine what you can save, and by planning your family’s finances, you create a strong, sustainable foundation from which everyone in the household can benefit. 

Learn more about how to create a family budget and manage your finances better. 

Clanq helps you save money

Clanq was founded with the aim of increasing parents’ financial knowledge and turning them into financial heroes for their children. With the Clanq app, you can manage your children’s daily expenses with greater peace of mind by collecting cashback, setting up ad hoc saving rules and with contributions from your family and friends.