Can You Afford to Homeschool? A No-Fluff Guide to Budgeting for Your New Life

One of the first questions many families ask when considering homeschooling is: “Can we actually afford this?”

It’s a valid concern. Homeschooling often means shifting to a single income, purchasing curriculum, and investing time and energy in ways that traditional school doesn’t demand. But here’s the good news: with a little creativity and some honest planning, homeschooling can be surprisingly affordable.

This guide skips the fluff and walks you through what it really costs to homeschool—and how to make it work for your family.

First, Define “Afford”

“Afford” looks different for every family.

For some, it means being able to homeschool without financial stress. For others, it means making intentional sacrifices—cutting back on expenses, working part-time, or embracing a more minimalist lifestyle.

So before crunching numbers, ask:

• What are we willing to give up to homeschool?
• What do we want our homeschool to look like?
• What income streams or support systems do we have (or need)?

The answers will guide how you budget.

Common Homeschool Expenses (and What They Actually Cost)

You don’t need to spend thousands to homeschool well. Many families do it for a few hundred dollars per year.

Here’s what to expect:

Curriculum: $100–$500/year per child

Some boxed sets cost more, but plenty of great options (like The Good and the Beautiful or Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool) are free or low-cost.

Budget Tip: Buy used curriculum on sites like Homeschool Classifieds or Facebook groups. And don’t underestimate your local library!

Supplies & Materials: $50–$150/year

Think pencils, paper, notebooks, art supplies, and science kits. You probably already own half of it.

Budget Tip: Stock up during back-to-school sales and dollar store runs.

Extracurriculars, Co-ops, & Field Trips: $0–$500+

These vary widely. Some co-ops charge annual fees, while others are free and parent-run. Museum memberships, sports, and field trips can add up—but they’re optional.

Budget Tip: Swap pricey outings for free nature hikes, library events, and homeschool meetups.

Technology: Varies

You don’t need fancy tech. A reliable internet connection and a laptop or tablet are enough. Many online programs are budget-friendly or free.

Budget Tip: Check with local schools or nonprofits about refurbished device programs.

The Big One: Income Loss

This is often the biggest shift. Many homeschooling families live on a single income, or adjust work hours to make it possible.

Can You Make It Work?

• Create a bare-bones budget to see what your household needs each month.
• Explore part-time or freelance work during evenings/weekends (many homeschool parents tutor or sell handmade products).
• See if your spouse’s job offers flexible hours or remote options.
• Look into child tax credits or local grants (some states offer education savings accounts for homeschoolers).

Create a Homeschool Budget (In 3 Steps)

Step 1: Know Your Numbers

• Total your monthly income.
• Subtract fixed expenses (mortgage, utilities, insurance).
• Set aside for food, gas, and essentials.
• See what’s left for curriculum and extras.

Step 2: Prioritize Must-Haves

Start with the non-negotiables: core curriculum, basic supplies, and anything essential to your child’s needs.

Step 3: Leave Room for Flexibility

Budget a little for spontaneous outings or resources that pop up mid-year (you will want that cool new nature journal or math app).

Real-Life Swaps

You don’t need six-figure incomes or Pinterest-worthy schoolrooms to succeed. Many families thrive on tight budgets by:

• Swapping childcare with another homeschooling family
• Buying secondhand everything (even microscopes!)
• Using YouTube and podcasts for enrichment
• Creating DIY curricula from library books and Pinterest
• Joining free online learning communities

Yes, You Can Afford This

Homeschooling is an investment in time, connection, and creativity. It’s not always easy, and it may take some financial reshuffling, but it is possible.

With a realistic budget, a flexible mindset, and the courage to choose what’s best for your family, you can absolutely afford to homeschool.

And remember: homeschooling isn’t about how much you spend—it’s about how much you show up. And that part? That’s always free.