I had my last child in 2013, my first in 2005. I am not that far out. Yes things are more expensive, but people can survive on less than they think. They can also move to less costly towns to live in.

The worst part is the housing market. My first house was $150k in 1999, that same house is now valued at $500k. That coupled with higher interest rates makes owning a house unattainable for most.

That being said if your goal is to build a family, it can be done. Especially if you have a trade skill or tech skill, then you can move to a smallet town.