DESTATIS - Federal Statistical Office Number of the week Couples with one child spend 763 euros a month on their offspring

Figure of the week No. 26 of June 29, 2021

WIESBADEN - Whether daycare fees or sports shoes, school satchels or breakfast sandwiches - parents spend a lot on their children. In 2018, couples with one child spent an average of 763 euros a month on their offspring. As reported by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), the expenses for the child accounted for more than one fifth (21%) of the total consumer spending of this type of household, amounting to 3,593 euros per month. Compared to 2013 (660 euros), expenditure for a child has risen by almost 16%, total consumer spending by 17%.

Single parents spent 35% of their consumer spending on children

At an average of 710 euros per month, single parents with one child spent a little less than couples, but spending on the child accounted for 35% of their total consumer spending.

Expenditure for children consists, among other things, of basic material needs such as food, clothing and housing. This accounted for around half of the expenditure on children. Leisure, entertainment and culture accounted for around 15% of expenditure.

As the number of children increases, the expenditure per child decreases: a couple household spent an average of 1,276 euros per month for two children and 1,770 euros for three children. It also shows that the older the children, the higher the costs. Couples with a child up to the age of 6 spent 679 euros per month on the child – at this age childcare plays a larger role as an expense item. For young people aged 12 to under 18, parents in couple households with one child spent significantly more, averaging EUR 953 per month. Higher spending on food and spending on leisure, entertainment and culture carry more weight here.

Further information: Family consumption expenditures for children

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