Is it more expensive to raise boys or girls?
We asked listeners whether it is more expensive to raise boys or girls. This is what they had to say.
Many online reports have suggested that it is more expensive to raise girls than boys.
To find out if this is true, Breakfast with Martin Bester asked listeners to weigh in and share their experiences.
After consolidating all the feedback, we finally have a clearer answer.
From the responses, one thing was certain: raising children is not cheap, no matter the gender.
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Many parents agreed that children are equally expensive to raise regardless of gender, but one gender did stand out slightly as being more expensive overall.
Is it more expensive to raise boys or girls?
When looking at all responses together, the majority of parents felt that girls are more expensive to raise.
That said, this was not a landslide.
A strong portion of parents argued that boys cost just as much, or in some cases more.
Why many parents say girls cost more
Parents who leaned towards girls being more expensive consistently mentioned ongoing, everyday costs.
Common reasons included:
- Clothing and fashion
- Haircare, skincare and makeup
- Sanitary and hygiene products
- Higher monthly maintenance costs
These were not always large once-off purchases, but parents noted that regular, repeat expenses add up quickly over time.
Why others say boys are just as expensive or more expensive
Parents who felt boys cost more pointed to larger once-off or seasonal expenses, particularly related to sport and technology.
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The biggest costs mentioned were:
- Sports such as rugby, cricket and athletics, including kits, gear, tours and fees
- Gaming consoles, games and upgrades
- Bikes and gadgets
- Food, especially as boys reach their teenage years
The real conclusion
When it came to gender-specific answers, most respondents said girls were more expensive to raise.
However, overall feedback showed that 45% of respondents believe both boys and girls are equally expensive to raise.
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A further 35% said girls are more expensive, while 20% said boys are more expensive.
The takeaway from our audience is clear: while girls edged ahead as slightly more expensive overall, the cost of raising children depends largely on the child, their interests and their stage of life.
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