Child Support Calculator (indicative) — how much child support will be paid?
Calculate an estimated child support amount based on the child's monthly needs and both parents' net income. Free online tool — no registration required.
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Child Rearing Cost Calculator
The child rearing cost calculator helps you estimate how much you spend monthly and annually on raising a child — from food and clothing, through education and healthcare, to extracurricular activities and entertainment. Enter your monthly expenses in each category and the calculator will sum them up, showing the annual cost of raising a child and a total estimate through to age 18. According to Polish economic research, the total cost of raising a child to adulthood ranges from 200,000 to as much as 500,000 PLN, depending on the family lifestyle, place of residence and educational ambitions. The calculator helps you understand the real financial burden and plan your family budget for the future.
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How we calculate the cost of raising a child
Monthly cost = sum of all monthly expenses. Annual cost = monthly cost × 12. Cost to age 18 = annual cost × number of years remaining until adulthood (18 − child age). All values are rounded to 2 decimal places.
Example: monthly expenses for a 5-year-old child
Food: 800 PLN, clothing: 200 PLN, education (nursery school): 400 PLN, healthcare: 150 PLN, extracurricular activities: 300 PLN, entertainment: 200 PLN, transport: 150 PLN, other: 100 PLN. Total monthly: 2,300 PLN. Annually: 27,600 PLN. To age 18 (13 years): 358,800 PLN.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to raise a child in Poland in 2026?
According to recent estimates, the total cost of raising a child to age 18 in Poland ranges from 200,000 to 500,000 PLN, depending on lifestyle, location and educational choices. Monthly expenses typically range from 1,500 to 4,000 PLN per child.
What are the biggest expenses when raising a child?
The largest expense categories are typically food (20–30% of the total), education and childcare (15–25%), and clothing (10–15%). Healthcare, extracurricular activities and transport together account for another 20–30%.
Does the 800+ benefit cover the cost of raising a child?
The 800+ (formerly 500+) monthly benefit provides 800 PLN per child and can cover roughly 30–50% of basic monthly expenses for a young child. However, as the child grows and costs increase — especially for education and activities — the benefit covers a smaller proportion.
How do childcare costs change as a child grows?
Costs are typically highest in early years (nursery, nappies, formula) and then again during secondary school and university (tutoring, equipment, transport). The middle school years (ages 7–12) tend to be the least expensive period relative to other stages.
Should I include housing costs in the child rearing calculator?
The calculator focuses on direct child-related expenses. Additional housing costs (a larger flat, a separate room) are optional to include in the "other expenses" field if they are relevant to your situation.
How much should I save monthly for my child's future?
Financial advisors typically recommend saving 10–15% of child-related expenses for the future — for university, a driving licence or a first home. Based on 2,300 PLN/month in expenses, that would be approximately 230–345 PLN per month in savings.
Does the calculator account for inflation?
No — the calculator uses today's prices and assumes constant costs. In practice, expenses increase with inflation (2–5% per year in Poland). To get a more conservative estimate, you can multiply the "cost to age 18" figure by 1.3–1.5 to account for cumulative price increases.
Are extracurricular activities necessary and how much do they cost?
Extracurricular activities (sports, music, languages) are optional but strongly support child development. In Poland, monthly costs for one or two activities range from 150 to 600 PLN. Many local sports clubs and cultural centres offer subsidised programmes for children from lower-income families.
How do child rearing costs differ between cities and rural areas?
Costs in large cities (Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław) are typically 20–40% higher than in smaller towns or rural areas, mainly due to higher nursery fees, higher food prices and greater transport costs. The calculator can be adjusted to reflect your local costs.
Can I use this calculator for twins or multiple children?
Yes — run the calculator separately for each child. Some costs (transport, housing) may be shared, so you can reduce those categories proportionally. Some nurseries and schools also offer discounts for siblings.
Results are estimates for informational purposes only. The actual cost of raising a child depends on individual family circumstances, place of residence, lifestyle and inflation. The calculator does not account for benefits or allowances such as the 800+ programme.