Michigan Parents: How Much of Your Paycheck Goes to Daycare?

At last check, Michigan parents weren't allowed to leave their young children with a bowl of kibble and a gravity-fed water bottle. Therefore, for those who like to make money to feed said child, a job is a must. But how does the cost of having someone else watch your kid compare to the average income of a single-parent in the Mitten State?

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Thanks to the financial gurus at WalletHub, we have an idea. They looked at the average cost of child care and compared it to the median income of a single-parent family, then ranked the 50 states and the District of Columbia for affordability.

How Michigan Child Care Costs Compare Nationally

As usual, Michigan lands smack in the middle, ranking 22nd for the highest share of income needed to pay for daycare. As a parent of two kiddos raised in The Mitten State, I can tell you one thing for sure: I'm delighted we didn't have kids in New York.

Residents of the Empire State pay the highest percentage of income for child care in the country, topping out at 12.84%. Of course, you could also choose to move to America's most affordable state for daycare, but even at 6.66% of your income, what is there to do in South Dakota?

RELATED: Expert Advice: How Much Should You Pay a Babysitter in Michigan?

Michigan’s Average Daycare Costs

Curious where Michigan stacked up and what percentage of your income goes to watching the little ones? Here's a closer look at the WalletHub Study.