# Child care costs vary widely across OECD countries

- Topic: world
- Source: Video published by The Economist
- Published: 2026-08-06
- Original: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqhfT0I6GcU
- Language: en

A study of child care costs in OECD countries reveals significant disparities. While some countries have implemented measures to make child care more affordable, others struggle to meet the recommended 7% threshold. The relationship between child care costs and economic participation is complex, with trade-offs between affordability and quality of care.

## Key takeaways

- Child care costs in OECD countries range from 7% to over 20% of average joint income.
- Some countries, like South Korea and Germany, have introduced free or subsidized child care to boost birth rates.
- However, universal free schemes can harm children's long-term development due to lower quality care.
- There is limited evidence that these schemes encourage couples to have more children.

> Summary by Daily Read Bytes. Read the original at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqhfT0I6GcU