Cost of living is a factor, but the demographic shift we are seeing throughout the developed and developing world is well-documented and has many causes: https:

Cost of living is a factor, but the demographic shift we are seeing throughout the developed and developing world is well-documented and has many causes: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographic_transition https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographic_transition I know a lot of 20 and 30-something urbanites who don't plan to have children and I doubt cheaper rent or free childcare would make them change their entire life trajectory. There's a lot of other factors at play.