As the cost of childbirth continues to rise—averaging over $2,600 for insured mothers and nearly $15,000 for those without—personal finance website WalletHub has released its 2025 report on the Best & Worst States to Have a Baby. The comprehensive analysis evaluates all 50 states and the District of Columbia across 31 measures of cost, healthcare accessibility, and baby-friendliness, including hospital delivery fees, pediatrician availability, childcare costs, and maternal and infant health metrics.
Topping the list as the best state is Massachusetts, followed by North Dakota, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and Maine. The states ranking lowest for parents and newborns include Mississippi, Alabama, Nevada, South Carolina, and Georgia. The District of Columbia also ranks in the top ten, illustrating that cost and accessibility factors can vary widely across urban centers.
“The best states for having a baby minimize costs while providing top-notch care for both newborns and their mothers,” said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. “Massachusetts, for example, has the third-lowest infant mortality rate, the eighth-lowest maternal mortality rate, and some of the nation’s strongest parental leave policies.”
Other notable findings include South Dakota having the lowest annual cost for early childcare, which is 3.5 times lower than the District of Columbia, while Alaska boasts the lowest rate of low-birth-weight babies, nearly half that of Mississippi. Delaware leads in obstetrician and gynecologist availability, with 13.8 times more per capita than Louisiana.
Experts stress that local policies and community planning play a crucial role in creating baby-friendly environments. Stacey N. Doan, Ph.D., director of the Berger Institute at Claremont McKenna College, emphasizes supporting the well-being of primary caregivers through family-friendly work policies, safe public spaces, and social support networks. Similarly, Bethany Willis, Ph.D., CFLE, advocates for urban planning that prioritizes green spaces, safe walkways, and accessible childcare, alongside state and federal policies ensuring affordable housing and healthcare.
The report also highlights systemic economic pressures that influence birth rates. Rising childcare costs, inflation, and stagnant wages—particularly impacting Black women, whose unemployment reached 5.8% in June 2025—are contributing to housing instability and financial strain for parents nationwide.
WalletHub’s rankings and analysis provide a vital resource for prospective parents seeking both affordability and quality care. For the full report, including your state’s rank, visit WalletHub