Key takeaway: Raising a child in Illinois costs about $27,906 a year in the first five years by LendingTree’s estimate, but Chicago offers free full-day pre-K for 4-year-olds at 372 public schools, 75-cent CTA student fares and free museum days for Illinois residents.
Child care is the biggest cost for young families in Chicago, and the city has more free and low-cost options than many people realize. Here’s what to budget and where to save.
Where the cost of raising a kid in Chicago goes
| Item | Typical cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time infant care at a quality center | $1,800 to $2,900 a month | Our daycare guide |
| Raising a child in Illinois, first five years | $27,906 a year | LendingTree |
| Raising a child in Illinois to age 18 | $244,826 | LendingTree |
Source: as listed. LendingTree’s study, updated April 2026, uses mostly 2024 data.
Free pre-K
Chicago Public Schools offers full-day pre-K for 4-year-olds at no cost to families at 372 elementary schools, with applications through Chicago Early Learning (CPS). A child qualifies for 2026-27 if they turn 4 on or before September 1, 2026, and there are limited half-day seats for 3-year-olds (Chicago Early Learning).
Help paying for child care
Illinois’ Child Care Assistance Program covers children up to age 13 and is run by the new Illinois Department of Early Childhood as of July 1, 2026 (IDEC). Copays are set by family size and income, are $1 a month for families at or below the poverty line, and families stay eligible up to 85% of state median income (IDHS policy).
After school and summer
The Chicago Park District’s Park Kids after-school program serves ages 6 to 12 from 3 to 6pm on school days at most parks, and approved financial assistance covers half the cost (Chicago Park District).
Free and cheap things to do
| Place | Deal |
|---|---|
| Field Museum | Free for Illinois residents every Wednesday; under 3 always free |
| Art Institute of Chicago | Children under 14 always free; Chicago residents under 18 free |
| Shedd Aquarium | Free days and free nights for Illinois residents on set dates |
| Griffin Museum of Science and Industry | Free days for Illinois residents on set dates (none left in 2026) |
| Chicago Public Library | Free museum passes through Explore More Illinois |
Source: Field Museum; Art Institute; Shedd Aquarium; Griffin MSI; WBEZ on the library program. See our entertainment costs guide for regular prices.
Getting around
Students ages 7 to 20 in elementary or high school pay a 75-cent CTA fare with a Student Ventra Card, and children 6 and under ride free with a paying adult (CTA). On Metra, K-12 students get reduced fares, such as a $37.50 monthly pass within Zones 1 and 2 (Metra fare table).
Tax credits
The Illinois Child Tax Credit is worth 40% of your Illinois earned income credit for families with a child under 12 (Illinois Department of Revenue, tax year 2025 rules).
Sources
- LendingTree: cost of raising a child
- CPS: free preschool applications
- Chicago Early Learning
- IDEC: Child Care Assistance Program
- IDHS: CCAP policy
- Chicago Park District: Park Kids
- Field Museum: free Wednesdays
- Art Institute: visit
- Shedd Aquarium: 2026 free days
- Griffin MSI: visit
- WBEZ: library museum passes
- CTA: reduced fares
- Metra fare table
- Illinois Department of Revenue: Child Tax Credit