We're not surprised, but still. With a nod to England's new royal infant, real estate listing service Redfin came out with the most expensive American cities for baby's first year this week. San Jose ranked No.1, with a total cost of $41,600. Santa Cruz (2), San Francisco (4) and Santa Rosa (7) were close behind.
In fact, California cities accounted for seven out of the top 10: San Diego (6), Oxnard (8), Los Angeles (9).
The study focused on housing (single-family homes only), child care, baby gear, health care and energy. Specifically, it zeroed in on: the cost of adding an additional bedroom to the house; nine months of child care; out-of-pocket expenses for prenatal, childbirth and first year; diapers, food, toys, strollers and other supplies; and cost for more laundry, a warmer home, etc.
Of course, what drove our fair cities high up on the list was the cost of housing. In San Jose, where the median sold price in June 2013 for single-family homes was $690,000, you'll pay $19,900 to add that extra bedroom. Adding a room in San Francisco (the median list price for a single-family home in June 2013 was $875,000) costs less -- just $15,300.