How Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of Childcare

In Episode 113 of Wages and Prices with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna break down the latest data showing that wage growth is finally outpacing the cost of childcare in many U.S. markets. They anchor the discussion to the most recent June 2026 numbers: average hourly earnings rose to $37.60, while core CPI actually dipped, suggesting real purchasing power is improving for working families. Lucas cites a new analysis from Care.com showing that the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant has risen just 2.1 percent over the past year, compared to 4.3 percent wage growth. Luna challenges him on regional disparities, noting that in high-cost states like California and New York, childcare still eats up over 30 percent of median income. The hosts explore why childcare costs are moderating—from increased state subsidies to a stabilization in labor demand at daycare centers—and what it means for parents deciding whether to return to work. They also touch on the broader economic implications, including women's labor force participation. A natural donation appeal ties the episode's theme of financial progress to listener support keeping the show ad-free. #ChildcareCosts #WageGrowth #Inflation #CostOfLiving #RealPurchasingPower #LaborMarket #Parents #Daycare #CareDotCom #EconomicData #PurchasingPower #WomenInWorkforce #StateDisparities #Subsidies #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Economics #WagesAndPrices Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo