The cost of adoption in the United States varies widely depending on the type of adoption:

• Adoption from foster care is generally the least expensive option, often costing little to nothing. Most adoptions through public child welfare agencies are funded by the state and have minimal or no fees, sometimes under $2,600 or even free. Families may incur small costs like fingerprinting or home study fees, but these are often reimbursable through federal or state adoption assistance programs

• Private domestic adoption through an agency or independent attorney typically costs between $20,000 and $45,000. These costs cover agency fees, legal fees, counseling, home studies, and sometimes birth mother expenses

• International adoption tends to be the most expensive, ranging from $35,000 to $70,000 due to additional travel, legal, and immigration expenses

• Additional costs may include home studies ($1,500–$3,000), legal services ($5,000–$15,000), and birth mother expenses in private adoptions

There are various financial assistance options available to help offset these costs, including federal adoption tax credits (up to around $13,840), state subsidies, grants, employer assistance programs, and military reimbursements

. In summary, adopting from foster care is often the most affordable route, frequently costing under $3,000 or even free, while private and international adoptions can cost tens of thousands of dollars, sometimes up to $70,000