New York, NY – May 21, 2025, 05:18 AM ET – Fox News co-host Dana Perino, who welcomed her daughter Mira with husband Peter McMahon in December 2024, is now facing the financial realities of parenthood, prompting speculation about the costs of raising her first child until she turns 18. As a prominent television personality on The Five and a former White House Press Secretary, Perino’s journey into motherhood at 53 has captured public attention, with fans curious about the economic impact of raising Mira in the high-cost environment of New York.
Experts estimate that raising a child in the U.S. from birth to age 18 can range widely depending on income, location, and lifestyle. For a middle-income family, the average cost is approximately $310,000 to $310,605, according to recent analyses adjusted for inflation. However, given Perino’s residence in New York City and her successful career, costs could escalate significantly. Studies suggest that in high-cost areas like the Northeast, annual expenses for a child can exceed $26,000, potentially totaling over $468,000 by the time Mira reaches 18 in 2042. Housing, which accounts for about 29% of child-rearing costs, could alone cost around $5,440 per year in New York, while childcare and education—16% of the budget—might add another $3,001 annually, especially if Perino opts for premium options.
Perino, who has no biological children from her 27-year marriage to McMahon but has embraced step-parenting his four children, has kept Mira’s upbringing private beyond her joyful announcements on air. Her decision to have Mira via surrogacy, revealed by co-hosts in late 2024, adds initial costs, with pregnancy and postpartum care averaging $18,865 according to health studies. Food (18% of costs, or $3,377 yearly), transportation (15%, or $2,814), and healthcare (9%, or $1,688) will also contribute to the tally, potentially pushing the total closer to $500,000 when adjusted for inflation and Perino’s upscale lifestyle.
The Fox News star, known for her financial savvy and book-writing success, may mitigate some expenses through careful planning. “Dana’s a smart woman who understands budgeting,” a colleague noted off-record. “She might use tax credits or savings plans like a 529 for Mira’s future education.” With Mira’s 18th birthday projected for December 2042, inflation could raise the annual cost to over $30,000 by then, bringing the cumulative expense to an estimated $540,000 if current trends continue.
Fans on X have chimed in, with one posting, “Dana Perino raising Mira in NYC? That’s a million-dollar kid!” Another added, “Hope she’s saving up—NY childcare alone is insane.” Perino has not publicly addressed the financial aspect, focusing instead on her joy as a new mom. As she balances her career and motherhood, the question of how much she’ll spend to raise Mira remains a topic of intrigue, blending the personal with the practical in her high-profile life.