The 13 Best Countries to Raise a Family in 2025

Choosing the best countries to raise a family is an important decision for any parent. Factors such as safety, health, education, and happiness rankings are essential, as these elements directly impact a child’s development and well-being. Fortunately, there are reputable reports from organizations like the World Bank, OECD, UNICEF, and the Global Peace Index that provide valuable insights into living costs, safety, healthcare, and education, helping families make informed decisions.

This article will highlight the top ten best countries to raise kids and provide a breakdown of the cost of living for families and some of the factors to consider before moving your children to another country.

Here is more of what to expect:

• The Best Countries to Raise a Family in 2025
• Cost Breakdown for Best Countries to Raise Kids
• Factors that Make Countries the Best to Raise Kids

The Best Countries to Raise a Family in 2025

1. Finland

• Safety: 1st out of 163
• Health: 10th out of 167
• Education: 3rd out of 167
• Personal Freedom: 12th out of 167
• Natural Environment: 1st out of 76
• Happiness: 1st out of 145
• Cost of Living: €2,300 per family of four (without rent)

Finland is known as one of the best places to raise a family because of its excellent education, safety, and happiness. Education in Finland is free and encourages creativity and critical thinking. The country is very safe, and families enjoy benefits like universal healthcare and generous parental leave. Mothers are entitled to about 105 days of paid maternity leave, while fathers can take up to 54 days of paid paternity leave. Parents can also share additional parental leave, which can be taken until the child is about 3 years old.

For a family of four, the cost of living is about €2,300 per month without rent. A three-bedroom apartment in Helsinki costs around €1,200. Public healthcare is affordable, with an average cost of €200 per year for basic services. Childcare costs are also subsidized, with a maximum fee of €300 per child each month.

2. Denmark

• Safety: 8th out of 163
• Health: 5th out of 167
• Education: 4th out of 167
• Personal Freedom: 2nd out of 167
• Natural Environment: 4th out of 76
• Happiness: 2nd out of 145
• Cost of Living: €2,800 per family of four (without rent)

Denmark offers excellent safety, a high standard of living, and a strong work-life balance, making it one of the safest places to raise a family in the world. The Danish education system encourages creativity and innovation, and public schools are free. The country also values personal freedom and has strong protections for citizens’ rights.

In Denmark, parents get long maternity and paternity leave. Mothers receive up to 18 weeks of maternity leave, while fathers can take up to two weeks of paid paternity leave. There is also an option for parents to take more leave when needed.

The cost of living for a family of four in Denmark is about €2,800 per month without rent. However, a family-sized home in Copenhagen costs around €1,400. Public healthcare is universal, with families paying only small fees for services, usually around €200 each year and childcare costs can add up to about €500 per month.

3. Sweden

• Safety: 14th out of 163
• Health: 3rd out of 167
• Education: 6th out of 167
• Personal Freedom: 6th out of 167
• Natural Environment: 2nd out of 76
• Happiness: 6th out of 145
• Cost of Living: €2,600 per family of four (without rent)

Sweden provides high-quality public schooling for free, and its healthcare system is among the best, with minimal costs for families. The natural environment is clean and safe, offering plenty of outdoor spaces for families to enjoy. Sweden also focuses on a strong work-life balance, which is a big advantage for parents.

For instance, maternity and paternity leave is long enough for both parents to spend time with their kids. Mothers are entitled to 480 days of parental leave, which can be shared with the father. Fathers can take up to 90 days of paternity leave, and parents can split the remaining days as they choose. When it comes to living costs, a family of four needs around €2,600 per month excluding rent.

A family apartment can cost between €1,200 and €1,400 but healthcare is nearly free, with a maximum cost of about €150 per person per year for medical services. Childcare fees are also cheap as they are capped at €150 per child per month. The makes Sweden one of the cheapest European countries live in and to raise kids.

4. Netherlands

• Safety: 12th out of 163
• Health: 15th out of 167
• Education: 10th out of 167
• Personal Freedom: 5th out of 167
• Natural Environment: 7th out of 76
• Happiness: 5th out of 145
• Cost of Living: €2,700 per family of four (without rent)

The Netherlands is a great country to raise a family. Parents are always looking for the countries with the best education, and the Netherlands offers free public education, which prides itself on creativity and collaboration in the learning environment. The country also has many parks and cycling paths for outdoor activities. Additionally, parents can enjoy their days with their newborn children as maternity leave is 16 weeks for mothers, while fathers can take up to five days of paid paternity leave. Parents can also share up to 26 weeks of unpaid parental leave.

The cost of living for a family of four is around €2,700 per month without rent, and housing costs about €1,300 per month in cities like Amsterdam. Healthcare is universal, with average costs of €120 to €150 per adult per month. You also get to save on childcare because it is subsidized, with costs capped at €500 per child per month.

5. Norway

• Safety: 4th out of 163
• Health: 2nd out of 167
• Education: 7th out of 167
• Personal Freedom: 10th out of 167
• Natural Environment: 6th out of 76
• Happiness: 3rd out of 145
• Cost of Living: €3,000 per family of four (without rent)

Norway offers a safe, clean, and family-friendly environment surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. It ranks highly for safety, healthcare, and education, making it an ideal place for families. Public schooling is free, and the universal healthcare system ensures families can access quality care without high costs. Norway is filled with natural spaces, which is perfect for raising children with the curiosity to explore and enjoy nature.

The country provides 49 weeks of paid parental leave, with mothers receiving 15 weeks and fathers getting 10 weeks. Parents are also welcome to share the remaining weeks.

When it comes to budgeting, the cost of living for a family of four is around €3,000 per month without rent, and housing in cities like Oslo averages €1,500 per month for a family-sized home. Public healthcare costs are minimal, averaging €200 annually. Childcare is subsidized, with fees of around €300 per month per child.

6. Canada

• Safety: 6th out of 163
• Health: 16th out of 167
• Education: 9th out of 167
• Personal Freedom: 3rd out of 167
• Natural Environment: 5th out of 76
• Happiness: 7th out of 145
• Cost of Living: €2,500 per family of four (without rent)

Canada is a multicultural and welcoming country with a high safety ranking and excellent public services. Its education system is free and of high quality, offering many opportunities for children. The country emphasizes personal freedom and provides strong support for families, including subsidized childcare and universal healthcare.

Canada offers 18 months of paid parental leave, which can be shared between parents. This includes a portion that is paid at a higher rate for the first few months.

A family of four can budget around €2,500 per month without rent, but housing costs about €1,200 per month for a family-sized home. Public healthcare is universal, with families paying €200 to €300 annually for essential services. Parents who want to enroll their kids in private school can estimate around €10,000 annually.

7. Australia

• Safety: 10th out of 163
• Health: 4th out of 167
• Education: 8th out of 167
• Personal Freedom: 13th out of 167
• Natural Environment: 9th out of 76
• Happiness: 8th out of 145
• Cost of Living: €2,700 per family of four (without rent)

Australia is known for its excellent quality of life, healthy lifestyle, and high standard of education. The country offers free public education and a strong healthcare system. Families also enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle, thanks to Australia’s favorable climate. The nation provides parental leave, with up to 18 weeks of paid leave for the primary caregiver, at the national minimum wage.

The cost of living for a family of four is around €2,700 per month without rent, with housing costing around €1,400 per month for a family-sized apartment. Public healthcare, through Medicare, is available to all residents and is affordable, with medical costs ranging from €200 to €300 annually. Childcare can be estimated from €800 to €1,000 per month.

8. New Zealand

• Safety: 5th out of 163
• Health: 11th out of 167
• Education: 11th out of 167
• Personal Freedom: 4th out of 167
• Natural Environment: 8th out of 76
• Happiness: 9th out of 145
• Cost of Living: €2,600 per family of four (without rent)

New Zealand is known for being one of the safest countries in the world, with low crime rates and a relaxed atmosphere, making it ideal for families. The country offers free public education and an affordable, high-quality healthcare system. With stunning natural landscapes, including beaches, forests, and mountains, New Zealand provides great outdoor opportunities for children.

New Zealand offers parental leave, with up to 26 weeks of paid leave for the primary caregiver, paid at the national wage rate.

A family of four can comfortably live with a budget of €2,600 per month without rent. Housing costs in cities like Auckland average €1,200 per month for a family-sized home. Public healthcare is affordable, with out-of-pocket costs averaging €150 annually. Childcare is subsidized, but fees can add up to €300 to €400 per month per child.

9. Switzerland

• Safety: 2nd out of 163
• Health: 1st out of 167
• Education: 5th out of 167
• Personal Freedom: 7th out of 167
• Natural Environment: 3rd out of 76
• Happiness: 4th out of 145
• Cost of Living: €3,200 per family of four (without rent)

Switzerland is a great place for families, with excellent healthcare, high safety, and a great quality of life. Its cities are clean and well-maintained, and the country offers top-quality education through both public and private schools to meet different family needs.

For families, Switzerland also provides strong parental support, with generous maternity leave of 14 weeks and two weeks of paternity leave.

Living in Switzerland comes with its costs, with a family of four spending around €3,200 a month, excluding rent. A family-sized apartment in Zurich can cost around €2,000 monthly. While healthcare is of exceptional quality, families pay an average of €500 per month per adult for insurance.

10. Germany

• Safety: 9th out of 163
• Health: 7th out of 167
• Education: 13th out of 167
• Personal Freedom: 11th out of 167
• Natural Environment: 13th out of 76
• Happiness: 10th out of 145
• Cost of Living: €2,500 per family of four (without rent)

Germany is a family-friendly country known for its strong education system, public healthcare, and overall safety. Public schools are free, and the country’s universal healthcare system ensures families access to high-quality medical services. Germany also provides a range of social benefits to support parents, such as long maternity and paternity leave, along with subsidized childcare options.

Maternity leave in Germany lasts for 14 weeks, with six weeks before and eight weeks after childbirth. During this time, mothers receive maternity benefits (Mutterschaftsgeld), usually covering 100% of their average salary. Fathers are also entitled to paternity leave and can take up to 2 months of parental leave, with the option to extend it.

The cost of living for a family of four is about €2,500 per month without rent, and housing typically costs €1,200 for a family-sized apartment. Healthcare is universal, with monthly premiums averaging €200 to €300. This makes Germany a good place to raise kids and one of the best countries to live in.

11. Spain

• Safety: 29th out of 163
• Health: 6th out of 167
• Education: 22nd out of 167
• Personal Freedom: 23rd out of 167
• Natural Environment: 11th out of 76
• Happiness: 24th out of 145
• Cost of Living: €2,200 per family of four (without rent)

Spain offers a warm and family-oriented environment known for its excellent healthcare and high quality of life. Education is free in public schools and focuses on holistic development. Spain’s universal healthcare system ensures affordable access to top-notch medical care for families.

Maternity leave in Spain lasts 16 weeks, fully paid, while fathers can take 12 weeks of paternity leave. Both parents can share additional unpaid leave options to care for their children. What makes Spain a good country to raise a family, is that it makes relocation easy through the Spain Golden Visa, which provides residency to families investing in real estate or other qualifying options.

The cost of living for a family of four is about €2,200 per month without rent, with housing costs averaging €900 per month for a family apartment.

12. Portugal

• Safety: 6th out of 163
• Health: 22nd out of 167
• Education: 28th out of 167
• Personal Freedom: 21st out of 167
• Natural Environment: 10th out of 76
• Happiness: 37th out of 145
• Cost of Living: €2,000 per family of four (without rent)

Portugal is one of the safest countries for families, offering a relaxed lifestyle and a strong sense of community. Public education is free, and healthcare is universal and affordable. The country’s warm climate and beautiful landscapes encourage outdoor activities for children.

Parents can enjoy living in this beautiful country because the government offers a lot of support. Maternity leave in Portugal is 120 days, with full pay, and fathers are entitled to 20 days of paid paternity leave, with options for additional shared parental leave. Just like Spain, Portugal makes relocation smooth through the Portugal Golden Visa, which provides residency to families by investing in various investment options starting at €250,000.

Regarding living costs, a family of four can expect to spend about €2,000 per month without rent, with housing costs averaging €850 per month.

13. Italy

• Safety: 32nd out of 163
• Health: 2nd out of 167
• Education: 26th out of 167
• Personal Freedom: 35th out of 167
• Natural Environment: 14th out of 76
• Happiness: 36th out of 145
• Cost of Living: €2,300 per family of four (without rent)

Italy is a culturally rich and family-friendly country focusing on strong community ties and excellent healthcare. Public schools are free, and the education system emphasizes creativity and academic growth. The Mediterranean lifestyle promotes healthy eating and outdoor living.

Maternity leave in Italy lasts five months, and mothers receive 80% of their salary. Fathers are entitled to 10 days of paid paternity leave, and additional parental leave options for up to 10 months are partially paid. The country also has the Italy Golden Visa, which offers residency to investors and their families when they invest in start-ups or other qualifying options.

When it comes to living expenses, a family of four needs about €2,300 per month without rent, and housing costs average €1,000 per month.

Cost Breakdown for the Best Countries to Raise Kids

Factors That Make These Countries the Best to Raise Kids

1. Quality of education

A strong education system lays the foundation for your children’s future success. Nations with high-ranking education systems, such as Finland or Denmark, provide access to free, high-quality schooling that encourage creativity, critical thinking, and personal development.

2. Safety and security

Safety is a primary concern for any parent. Countries like Finland, Norway, and Switzerland consistently rank highly for safety, ensuring families can live without the constant worry of crime or instability.

3. Access to quality healthcare

Good healthcare is essential for the well-being of all family members and having universal healthcare gives you the peace of mind of having you and your family access to affordable medical care when needed.

4. Maternity and paternity leave

Generous maternity and paternity leave policies help parents adjust to family life. In Germany, mothers receive 14 weeks of leave while fathers can take up to two months of parental leave. Countries like Denmark and Sweden also offer extended leave to support work-life balance for both parents.

5. Childcare support

Affordable childcare is a significant consideration for many parents. Several countries like Sweden and Finland, offer subsidized childcare, making it easier for both parents to continue working while ensuring their children receive quality care.

6. Cost of living and affordability

Raising a family involves numerous expenses. Finding a place with reasonable living costs, such as Ge

mpromising on quality of life. Housing, healthcare, childcare, and transportation costs can vary, so selecting a country where these costs are manageable is essential for long-term family stability.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Countries to Raise a Family

What factors should I consider when choosing the best country to raise a family?

Quality of education, safety, healthcare, cost of living, work-life balance, and social welfare are important. Family-friendly policies, such as parental leave and childcare support, are also important.

Which countries are considered the best for family-friendly policies?

Countries like Denmark, Sweden, and Norway offer strong social support systems, generous parental leave, subsidized childcare, and excellent healthcare, making them great for families.

Are there countries with a low cost of living that are also family-friendly?

Yes, Portugal, Spain, and Hungary offer lower living costs while providing good healthcare, education, and a supportive family environment.

What are the safest countries in which to raise a family?

Iceland, Finland, Switzerland, and Singapore are among the safest countries, with low crime rates and strong law enforcement ensuring family security.

What are the best countries for families with young children?

Sweden, Finland, and Canada offer excellent healthcare, early childhood education, and comprehensive support for families with young children.