Interactive tool
The twin tax
How much more does it actually cost to have twins? Adjust the numbers to match your situation.
Singleton estimate
$20,100
Twin estimate
$36,515
The twin tax
+$16,415
82% more
These numbers look big, but they are manageable. Registry gifts, buying used where safe, and breastfeeding can offset a large chunk. Scroll down for specific tips.
One-time gear
$1,550 vs. $2,615- Read the full verdict
Cribs
x2Singleton
$300
Twins
$SingleTwins Crib Mattresses
x2Singleton
$150
Twins
$SingleTwins- Read the full verdict
Car Seats
x2Singleton
$250
Twins
$SingleTwins - Read the full verdict
Stroller
ShareableSingleton
$350
Twins
$SingleTwins - Read the full verdict
Baby Monitor
ShareableSingleton
$150
Twins
$SingleTwins High Chairs
x2Singleton
$100
Twins
$SingleTwins- Read the full verdict
Swings / Bouncers
x2Singleton
$60
Twins
$SingleTwins Bath Tub
ShareableSingleton
$30
Twins
$SingleTwinsBaby Carrier
ShareableSingleton
$120
Twins
$SingleTwinsNursing Pillow
ShareableSingleton
$40
Twins
$SingleTwins
Consumables (year 1)
$3,550 vs. $6,900Diapers (year 1)
x2Singleton
$1,000
Twins
$SingleTwinsWipes (year 1)
x2Singleton
$250
Twins
$SingleTwinsFormula (year 1)
x2Singleton
$1,500
Twins
$SingleTwinsClothing (year 1)
x2Singleton
$800
Twins
$SingleTwins
Childcare
$15,000 vs. $27,000Childcare (annual)
x2Singleton
$15,000
Twins
$SingleTwins
What you can do about it
- 1Buy used where safe. Non-safety items (high chairs, bouncers, clothing) can be found at 40-60% off retail on marketplace apps and consignment stores.
- 2Build a smart registry. On average, registries are 68-75% fulfilled by guests. That alone can cover most of the one-time gear. Try the Registry Builder
- 3Breastfeeding saves $3,000+ in year one. If it works for you, formula is the single biggest consumable you can skip. Edit the formula row above to $0 if you plan to breastfeed.
- 4Explore sibling discounts. Many childcare centers offer a 5-10% sibling discount for twins. That can save $1,000-2,700 per year. Ask early.