Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties ranked as most expensive areas to raise kids in United States

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.— Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties are 2 of the most expensive places to raise a family. Smart Asset ranks Oxnard, Thousand Oaks, and Ventura, which are a part of Ventura County, as the 13th most expensive areas to raise children in the United States. Santa Barbara and Santa Maria are ranked as the 18th most expensive areas.

Childcare, housing, food, transportation, and medical expenses are all things families have to take into consideration when budgeting for the month.

According to a recent study by SmartAsset, the average annual cost per child in Ventura County is $25,412.

This can affect a family’s decision to have more children and determine and force some to cut back on spending for leisure activities like family vacations.

We will be speaking to families about how they navigate the rising costs of living and what plans they have to boost their quality of life moving forward.