Best and worst states to have a baby in 2024: How NY, NJ, CT ranked

Loading Video…

This browser does not support the Video element.

How much does it cost to live the American Dream?

Lynette Khalfani Cox, CEO of the Money Coach shares how the high cost of living is impacting families in the US.

The personal-finance website WalletHub released its report on 2024’s Best & Worst States to Have a Baby – where do you think NY, NJ and CT ranked?

JUMP TO: NEW YORK l CONNECTICUT l NEW JERSEY

***Click each headline to jump to the designated topic.

WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 31 key measures of cost and health care accessibility, as well as baby- and family-friendliness.

"The best states for having a baby minimize costs while providing top-notch care for both newborns and their mothers," wallethub analyst Cassandra Happe said.

Here's where New York, Connecticut and New Jersey ranked on the list:

New York

  • Overall rank: 12
  • State total score: 58.77
  • Cost rank: 50
  • Health Care rank: 18
  • Baby-friendliness rank: 9
  • Family-friendliness rank: 5

New York to become 1st state with paid prenatal leave for pregnant women

New York is likely to become the first state in the U.S. to create paid prenatal leave for pregnant moms, Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement Monday.

Connecticut

  • Overall rank: 15
  • State total score: 58.04
  • Cost rank: 45
  • Health Care rank: 13
  • Baby-friendliness rank: 13
  • Family-friendliness rank: 12
Loading Video…

This browser does not support the Video element.

'Best places to live'

U.S. News & World Report has released their list of the "Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2024-2025."

New Jersey

  • Overall rank: 27
  • State total score: 51.51
  • Cost rank: 48
  • Health Care rank: 28 
  • Baby-friendliness rank: 17
  • Family-friendliness rank: 17

Massachusetts ranked first overall, followed by North Dakota and Minnesota. Mississippi finished last.

Loading Video…

This browser does not support the Video element.

Where does NY, NJ rank for best states to live a long, healthy life?

A new study by Life Extension found Hawaii was the best state to live in for a long and healthy life. Here's where New York and New Jersey ranked on the list.

"They [the best states] also continue to be good environments for parents even long after the birth, with high-quality pediatric care, affordable and accessible child care, and a strong economic environment that makes providing for a child easier," Happe said.

To see the full list, click HERE.