(The Epoch Times)—Millions of Americans pay more for child care than rent every month, according to a new analysis by online lending marketplace LendingTree.
Researchers found that child care costs exceeded the cost of a two-bedroom home or apartment for families with two children in 85 of the 100 largest metropolitan areas examined.
The biggest imbalance for families with two children occurred in Omaha, Nebraska (111.3 percent), Milwaukee, Wisconsin (110.9 percent), and Buffalo, New York (105.6 percent).
“Spending almost $1,300 a month on child care is a massive burden for parents, but most families don’t have another choice,” LendingTree chief consumer finance analyst Matt Schulz said.
“They can’t stay home. They don’t have family or friends they can rely on for child care. They have no other option but to spend a significant amount of money each month on child care. It makes an already difficult financial situation that much more challenging.”
Infant care was found to be more expensive than rent in 11 major metropolitan areas.
Infant care costs exceeded rent the most in Springfield, Massachusetts, where the average cost of infant care is $1,996, while the median rent for a two-bedroom home or apartment is $1,734.
Milwaukee had the second-highest variation, with infant care costing $1,536, while rent averaged $1,338.
Wichita, Kansas came in third, with the average cost of infant care at $1,256 and rent at $1,099.
Cities like Omaha, Baltimore, Buffalo, Syracuse, Spokane, Minneapolis, and Toledo rounded out the top 10 metropolitan areas where infant care costs were nearly equal to rent prices.
California and Florida had the top 10 cities in the United States where child care for an infant and a 4-year-old cost the least relative to rent.
LendingTree researchers arrived at their findings after examining data from Child Care Aware of America and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“For those struggling the most with child care, help is available,” Schulz said.
“Seek local, state, and federal government agencies geared toward helping financially strapped parents, but also consider religious organizations and other nonprofits. It can be tough to swallow your pride to reach out for help, but you can do it if it’s important enough to your family.”
American families spend between 8.9 percent and 16 percent of their income on full-day care for just one child, according to data published by the Department of Labor in November 2024.
The rising cost of child care has even caused more parents—particularly in lower-income households—to leave their jobs and stay home with the kids, according to a report by the Bank of America Institute published on Oct. 28.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.