How Much Does Childcare Cost in Virginia?
Childcare is one of the largest ongoing expenses for families in Virginia and for many households it rivals rent or mortgage payments. Costs vary based on the type of care location and the age of the child. Understanding these differences helps families plan financially and make informed childcare decisions.
Posted on:
December 22, 2025
On average Virginia families spend between $10,000 and $24,000 per child per year for full-time childcare. Costs are primarily driven by the type of provider and geographic location.
Center-based programs generally cost more due to higher staffing requirements facility expenses and licensing regulations. Home-based providers typically offer lower rates but may have limited availability or fewer service hours. Monthly childcare costs across the state commonly range from $800 to $2,000 depending on care type and region.
How Much Is Full-Time Childcare in Virginia?
Full-time childcare defined as 40 to 50 hours per week represents a major financial commitment.
• Infant and toddler care typically costs $13,000 to $24,000 per year
• Preschool care generally ranges from $10,000 to $15,000 per year
To keep childcare expenses below 15 percent of household income many families need to earn between $90,000 and $130,000 annually especially in higher-cost areas such as Northern Virginia.
Childcare costs decrease as children get older due to changes in staffing ratios and program structure.
Infants 0 to 12 months
• $14,000 to $24,000 per year
Infant care is the most expensive due to strict staff-to-child ratio requirements and higher supervision needs.
Toddlers 1 to 3 years
• $10,000 to $19,000 per year
Costs remain high but are slightly lower than infant care.
Preschool 3 to 5 years
• $9,000 to $14,000 per year
Preschool programs are more affordable as classrooms can accommodate more children per teacher.
Several factors contribute to high childcare costs statewide.
• Staff-to-child ratio requirements particularly for infants
• Licensing safety and quality regulations
• Workforce shortages and rising wages
• Higher cost of living in urban regions
• Limited supply of licensed childcare providers
Despite high tuition many childcare providers operate on narrow margins.
Will Childcare Costs in Virginia Increase or Go Down?
Most indicators suggest childcare costs in Virginia will continue to rise gradually.
Factors pushing costs higher include inflation increased operating expenses higher wages for early educators and sustained demand for childcare slots.
Factors that may help slow cost growth include expanded public funding employer-sponsored childcare benefits and growth in publicly funded preschool programs. Significant price reductions are unlikely without broader policy intervention.
How Much Does Childcare Cost Per Day in Virginia?
Daily cost estimates provide a practical way to understand childcare expenses.
• Center-based infant care costs about $60 to $85 per day
• Center-based preschool care costs about $45 to $65 per day
• Home-based infant care costs about $35 to $55 per day
Weekly Childcare Costs in Virginia
Weekly full-time childcare costs typically fall within these ranges.
• Center-based infant care costs $300 to $400 per week
• Center-based preschool care costs $225 to $325 per week
• Home-based infant care costs $175 to $250 per week
Families with more than one child can easily spend $600 to $800 or more per week.
Childcare Costs Per Hour in Virginia
Hourly childcare rates vary by provider type and region.
• Childcare centers charge about $15 to $20 per hour
• Home-based providers charge about $12 to $17 per hour
• Nannies and in-home caregivers charge $18 to $25 or more per hour
City-Wise Differences in Childcare Costs in Virginia
The Bottom Line
Virginia families typically spend $10,000 to $24,000 per child per year on childcare depending on age care type and location. While costs remain high understanding pricing differences planning early and using available resources can help families manage this essential expense.
Childcare in Virginia is not only a financial consideration but also a critical factor in workforce participation family stability and early childhood development.
1Core Solution is a comprehensive childcare management platform built to support the daily needs of childcare centers and early education providers. With tools for online billing, parent engagement, admissions, attendance, lesson planning, and staff management, 1Core brings your center’s operations into one centralized, easy-to-use system. Designed with both educators and administrators in mind, 1Core helps reduce manual tasks, improve communication, and enhance the experience for families and staff alike. Backed by dependable support and strong data security, 1Core gives you the freedom to focus less on paperwork and more on creating meaningful moments with the children in your care.
Muhila S
Digital Marketer | 1Core Solution
Building bridges between products and audiences through clever, data-powered campaigns. A trend-chaser with a creative heart and a results first mindset.
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