New Jersey Named 2nd Most Expensive State To Give Birth

Welcoming a new member to the family is a priceless milestone, but in New Jersey, it comes with a staggering bill. According to a new report from GoAuPair, New Jersey is the second most expensive state in the nation to have a baby, with an average total cost of $49,199.

The study analyzed five critical financial factors across 48 states: the combined cost of vaginal and C-section deliveries, hospital stay fees, health insurance premiums, ultrasound pricing, and the first year of full-time center-based infant care.

While New York took the top spot at $51,167, New Jersey followed closely behind, largely driven by the highest medical delivery fees in the country. In contrast, Alabama was ranked the most affordable, with total costs averaging $22,747, less than half of what Garden State parents typically pay.

Though New York is more expensive overall, New Jersey actually holds the title for the highest pure medical costs in the nation. A delivery in New Jersey (both vaginal and c-section) averages $33,123, more than New York by nearly $2,000. New Jersey also leads the country in the cost of routine care; it is the most expensive state for an ultrasound, averaging $315 per scan.

For New Jersey families living near the border, the “geography tax” is stark. Parents can save significantly by simply crossing state lines. Having a baby in Pennsylvania costs roughly $11,300 less than in New Jersey, while the total bill in Delaware is more than $16,000 cheaper.Despite the high price, New Jersey is implementing programs to provide safety for new parents. The state’s Nurture NJ initiative has recently reached a milestone of 78 legislative actions aimed at making the state the safest place to give birth.

Key supports now available to NJ families include Family Connects NJ universal home visitation program that offers free nurse visits to all new parents to check on the health of both the baby and the mother. The state also offers extended postpartum Medicaid coverage to a full 365 days, ensuring that the most vulnerable families aren’t hit with “cliff” expenses shortly after delivery.

While the findings of the GoAuPair report are high, New Jersey’s relatively lower insurance premiums ($545) and the expansion of free state services provide a small buffer against the nation’s highest delivery fees.
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