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How Tennessee cities rank among other cities in U.S. for cost of raising a child, according to 2026 study
By Caleb Wethington at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 19, 2026
· 1 min read
What This Story Is AboutA new study found Memphis and the Nashville metro are among the two most affordable major U.S. metros for raising a child in 2026.Why It MattersEven though Tennessee metros ranked as relatively affordable nationally, child care and other child-related expenses remain a maj...
Key takeaway Why It MattersEven though Tennessee metros ranked as relatively affordable nationally, child care and other child-related expenses remain a maj...
Why this matters in The Nashville
The affordability of raising a child in the Nashville metro is a welcome distinction, but it does not diminish the financial strain that many local families face. With child care costs averaging around $14,000 per year, it is clear that this expense remains a significant burden for households in the area. The fact that Nashville ranks as the second most affordable major metro in the country for raising a child may provide some relief, but it is crucial to consider the broader context of the local economy and the impact of these costs on family budgets. As the cost of living in Nashville continues to evolve, it will be important to monitor how these expenses affect the overall quality of life for families in the area, and to explore potential solutions to alleviate the financial pressure of raising a child in the city.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 19, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? What This Story Is AboutA new study found Memphis and the Nashville metro are among the two most affordable major U.S. metros for raising a child in 2026.Why It MattersEven though Tennessee metros ranked as relatively affordable nationally, child care and other child-related expenses remain a maj...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 19, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Caleb Wethington at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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