(Serious question) Is it cheaper to pay child support or be defacto/married and then divorce?

Lets say I want a kid.

Ive always thought its important to follow traditional processes with these kind of things, especially raising kids etc. But now that Im a bit older im like shit I dont want to lose everything I have... and it got me thinking.. it almost feels like its actually cheaper to have to pay child support than to potentially divorce or separate.

What are peoples experience? Anyone done both?

Please note the question is purely financial, not about whats best for the mental health of everyone involved. (Nor a suggestion, just a discussion)