Average daycare costs, city comparisons, subsidy eligibility, and cost-saving strategies for Virginia families.
In 2026, the average cost of child care in Virginia ranks #9 most expensive among all 50 states and D.C. Infant center-based care averages $1,285 per month ($15,420 per year), which translates to approximately $297 per week or $59 per day. Costs vary significantly by city, provider type, and child's age.
Northern Virginia (Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun) is among the most expensive regions in the country, with infant care averaging $1,800-$2,000/month. Richmond metro averages $1,150/month, and Hampton Roads averages $1,050/month.
Virginia's primary child care assistance program is the Virginia Child Care Subsidy Program. Families may qualify if their household income falls below 85% SMI (~$5,900/month for family of 4). Eligible families receive vouchers or direct payments to licensed child care providers, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs.
In addition to state subsidies, Virginia families can reduce child care costs through federal tax benefits. The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) allows you to claim up to 35% of $3,000 in expenses for one child ($1,050 max) or $6,000 for two or more children ($2,100 max). A Dependent Care FSA lets you set aside up to $5,000 pre-tax annually. Combined, these can offset $3,000-$7,000 in annual child care costs.
State Ranking: #9 most expensive in the U.S.
Annual Infant Care Cost: $15,420
Weekly Infant Care Cost: $297
Daily Infant Care Cost: $59
Subsidy Program: Virginia Child Care Subsidy Program
Income Limit: 85% SMI (~$5,900/month for family of 4)
Did You Know? Virginia's proximity to Washington, D.C. creates a unique cost gradient: child care costs in Northern Virginia are nearly double those in Southwest Virginia, reflecting the massive income and cost-of-living disparity within a single state.
Child care costs in Virginia vary by location. Here are the major cities where families search for child care: Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Richmond, Arlington, Alexandria, Newport News, Hampton, Roanoke, Fairfax.
Our data covers child care providers across Virginia's major counties: Fairfax County, Prince William County, Loudoun County, Chesterfield County, Henrico County, Virginia Beach (Independent City), Arlington County, Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, Albemarle County.
The average weekly cost of infant daycare in Virginia is approximately $297 per week for full-time, center-based care. Toddler care averages about $252 per week, and school-age care averages $208 per week. Part-time care (3 days/week) typically costs 60-70% of the full-time rate.
Northern Virginia (Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun) is among the most expensive regions in the country, with infant care averaging $1,800-$2,000/month. Richmond metro averages $1,150/month, and Hampton Roads averages $1,050/month. Use our cost calculator to get a personalized estimate based on your specific location and child's age.
You may qualify for the Virginia Child Care Subsidy Program if your household income is below 85% SMI (~$5,900/month for family of 4). Eligibility also depends on employment status, child's age, and citizenship/residency. Use our subsidy eligibility calculator to check your qualification instantly.
Licensed family child care homes are typically the most affordable option, costing 15-30% less than center-based care. In Virginia, this means approximately $964-$1,092/month for infant care at a family home vs. $1,285/month at a center. Nanny-shares (splitting a nanny with another family) can also reduce costs by 25-40%.
Virginia's average infant care cost of $1,285/month is above the national average of approximately $1,000/month. Virginia ranks #9 out of 51 (50 states + D.C.) for child care costs, making it one of the more expensive states for child care.
Content last reviewed and updated: