Newsletter Subscribe

Enter your email address below and subscribe to our newsletter

Cost of Child Care in Virginia: A Breakdown for 2025

  • Updated:
  • Read Time15 mins

Share this

A comprehensive analysis of Child Care costs for working parents, employers, and government agencies in the State of Virginia.

As they say, “Virginia is for lovers” – that might be all well and good, but let’s make one thing clear. It does not seem to be for parents.

If you’re a parent living in Virginia, you’re probably well aware of the high cost of Child Care. According to the Economic Policy Institute, Virginia is one of the most expensive states in the United States for Child Care.

As of March 2026:

  • The average cost of infant care in Virginia is $16,796 annually (up from $16,397 in 2025)—that’s $1,400 per month.
  • Child Care for a 4-year-old costs $13,884 (up from $13,560 in 2025), or $1,157 each month.

Child Care costs have never been higher, and tackling it has never felt more challenging.

Fortunately for you, we’re going to cover the following:

  • Child Care costs by city, age, and type
  • The factors influencing prices
  • Grants and subsidies to make it more affordable

Let’s begin!

Child Care Costs in Virginia by Age and Type

Age Group Average Cost of Child Care Center (Monthly / Annually) Average Cost of Family Child Care Home (Monthly / Annually)
Infant $1,400 / $16,796 $1,088 / $13,052
Toddler $1,330 / $15,964 $1,040 / $12,480
4-Year-Old $1,157 / $13,884 $1,010 / $12,116
School-Age (Before/After School) $481 / $5,772 $341 / $4,095

Factors Influencing the Cost

When it comes to the cost of Child Care in Virginia, several factors can influence how much you will end up paying. Some of the most significant factors include the type of care you choose, your location, and any additional services you may require.

Type of Care

The type of care you choose for your child will significantly impact how much you can expect to pay. In general, there are three main types of Child Care available:

Center-Based Care: This type of care occurs in a licensed Child Care center and is typically the most expensive option. Family Child Care: This type of care takes place in a provider’s home and is usually less expensive than center-based care. In-Home Care: This type of care takes place in your own home and can be the most affordable option, especially if you have multiple children.

Additional Services

Any additional services you require can also impact the cost of Child Care. For example, you can expect to pay more if you need extended hours or weekend care. Similarly, if you require specialized care for a child with special needs, you may need to pay more for a provider with the necessary training and experience.

Location

The location of your Child Care provider can also have a significant impact on the cost. In general, areas with higher living costs will have higher Child Care costs. For example, if you live in a major city like Richmond or Virginia Beach, you can expect to pay more for Child Care than if you live in a smaller town or rural area. Additionally, the specific neighborhood or zip code within a city can also affect costs.

Government Assistance

For families who struggle with the cost of Child Care, government assistance programs, such as Head Start or the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, may be available. These programs can offset some of the expenses associated with Child Care. If you are having difficulty affording the care your child needs, it’s worth looking into these options.

Grants and Subsidies for Child Care in Virginia

Virginia offers several financial assistance programs to help families afford Child Care, though availability may be limited by waitlists due to high demand. Here are four key subsidies and grants:

Child Care Subsidy Program (CCSP)

The Child Care Subsidy Program is Virginia’s primary state-funded child care assistance program administered by the Virginia Department of Social Services in partnership with local departments of social services. It helps eligible families pay for child care costs for children under age 13 or children with special needs under age 18.

  • Amount / Copay: Sliding scale copayments based on family income, with rates updated effective July 1, 2025. Copayments vary by locality and income level, with the state paying a portion of child care costs directly to approved providers. Maximum copayment does not exceed 7% of gross income per federal regulations.
  • Eligibility:
    • Be a Virginia resident who is actively employed, engaged in a job search, participating in education/training, receiving child protective services, or participating in VIEW or SNAPET programs
    • Provide documentation of child’s citizenship or legal residence in the United States
    • Provide documentation of child’s immunization requirements as outlined by the State Board of Health
    • Household income must not exceed the limits set for your locality
  • How to Apply: Apply online through CommonHelp portal (available 24/7) or submit a Child Care Service Application and Redetermination Form to your local department of social services. Call the VDSS Call Center at (855) 635-4370 (press 1 for family support) for assistance. Applications are reviewed within 30 days.

Early Head Start/Head Start

Early Head Start and Head Start are federally funded programs providing comprehensive early learning and development services to eligible children and families. Early Head Start serves children from birth to age 2, while Head Start serves children ages 3-5.

  • Amount / Copay: Free services for eligible families. Programs provide comprehensive services including education, health services, family engagement, and nutrition support at no cost to families.
  • Eligibility:
    • Family income at or below the federal poverty level (as published annually by the federal government)
    • Children in foster care are eligible regardless of income
    • Children experiencing homelessness are eligible regardless of income
    • Families receiving public assistance (TANF, SNAP, or SSI) are eligible regardless of income
  • How to Apply: Use the Head Start Locator tool to find a program near you, or call the Head Start hotline at (866) 763-6481 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST). Contact your local Head Start program directly to learn about application requirements and available slots. Due to limited funding, waitlists may apply in your area.

Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI)

The Virginia Preschool Initiative is a state-funded program distributing funds to schools and community-based organizations to provide quality preschool programs for at-risk 3- and 4-year-old children not served by Head Start. The program aims to reduce disparities and eliminate risk factors leading to early academic failure.

  • Amount / Copay: Free or low-cost preschool services. VPI programs are state-funded and provide quality early childhood education, health services, family engagement, and comprehensive support services at no cost or minimal cost to eligible families.
  • Eligibility:
    • Child must be 3 or 4 years old by September 30 of the school year
    • Child must meet at least one “at-risk” criterion as defined by the Virginia Department of Education (criteria vary by locality but typically include factors such as low family income, limited English proficiency, or developmental delays)
    • Child must reside in Virginia and be unserved by Head Start
  • How to Apply: Contact your local school district’s early childhood office or visit the Virginia Department of Education website. Each locality manages its own VPI application process. Space is limited and acceptance is based on eligibility criteria and at-risk status. Waitlists may apply in some areas.

Child and Dependent Care Tax Deduction

Virginia allows taxpayers to claim a deduction for child and dependent care expenses on their state income tax return. This deduction is based on the federal Child and Dependent Care Credit and provides tax relief for families paying for work-related child care expenses.

  • Amount / Copay: Virginia allows a deduction equal to the amount of employment-related expenses on which the federal child and dependent care credit is based. The federal credit allows families to claim 20-35% of eligible expenses (up to $3,000 for one child or $6,000 for two or more children). Virginia’s deduction provides an average tax benefit of approximately $345 per taxpayer.
  • Eligibility:
    • Must have claimed the federal Child and Dependent Care Credit on your federal income tax return
    • Must have paid for work-related child care expenses for a qualifying dependent
    • Must be employed or actively seeking employment
    • Child care provider must be identified on your tax return
  • How to Apply: Claim the deduction on your Virginia Form 760 (resident income tax return) or Form 760-PY (part-year resident return) when filing your state taxes. Complete Virginia Schedule A if itemizing deductions. For more information, visit their website or contact the Virginia Department of Taxation.

Child Care assistance is available — so remember to apply!

Virginia Child Care Cost Per City

City Child care – hourly Child care – weekly Child care – monthly Infant care – hourly Infant care – weekly Infant care – monthly
Norfolk, VA $17.87 $714.80 $2,323.10 $18.23 $729.20 $2,369.90
Williamsburg, VA $18.07 $722.80 $2,349.10 $19.73 $789.20 $2,564.90
Arlington, VA $22.30 $892.00 $2,899.00 $23.71 $948.40 $3,082.30
Chesapeake, VA $17.60 $704.00 $2,288.00 $18.12 $724.80 $2,355.60
Richmond, VA $18.94 $757.60 $2,462.20 $19.58 $783.20 $2,545.40

Sources:

  • Rent: Zumper; values are the listed average 1-bedroom rent.
  • Income: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts.
  • Monthly income = median household income ÷ 12.

Norfolk Child Care 

  • Child care cost: $2,323.10; infant care: $2,369.90.
  • Median monthly income: about $5,509.08 (QuickFacts).
  • Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,200/month (Zumper).
  • Comparison: Child care is roughly 94% more expensive than rent. It consumes ~42% of monthly income; infant care takes ~43%.

Williamsburg Child Care

  • Child care cost: $2,349.10; infant care: $2,564.90.
  • Median monthly income: about $5,953.00 (FRED estimate).
  • Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,600/month (Zumper).
  • Comparison: Child care is roughly 47% more expensive than rent. It consumes ~39% of monthly income; infant care takes ~43%.

Arlington Child Care

  • Child care cost: $2,899.00; infant care: $3,082.30.
  • Median monthly income: about $11,842.83 (QuickFacts).
  • Average 1-bedroom rent: $2,480/month (Zumper).
  • Comparison: Child care is roughly 17% more expensive than rent. It consumes ~24% of monthly income; infant care takes ~26%.

Chesapeake Child Care

  • Child care cost: $2,288.00; infant care: $2,355.60.
  • Median monthly income: about $7,947.75 (QuickFacts).
  • Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,599/month (Zumper).
  • Comparison: Child care is roughly 43% more expensive than rent. It consumes ~29% of monthly income; infant care takes ~30%.

Richmond Child Care 

  • Child care cost: $2,462.20; infant care: $2,545.40.
  • Median monthly income: about $5,382.25 (QuickFacts).
  • Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,455/month (Zumper).
  • Comparison: Child care is roughly 69% more expensive than rent. It consumes ~46% of monthly income; infant care takes ~47%.

Cost of Child Care in Virginia vs. Other States

How Virginia Child Care Costs Compare to the Top 10 States in the United States in 2026:

(These are annual prices for a 4-year-old).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is in-home daycare cheaper than daycare?

In-home daycare can be cheaper than traditional daycare centers, however, the cost can vary depending on location and the specific in-home daycare provider. Additionally, in-home daycare may not offer as many services or have as strict regulations as a licensed daycare center.

Is it cheaper to hire a nanny or daycare?

It depends on the specific situation and location. Hiring a nanny may be more expensive than traditional daycare, but it can also offer more individualized care for your child. Researching and comparing prices in your area is vital in determining which option is more cost-effective for your family.  Additionally, some families may qualify for tax deductions or employer-provided Child Care benefits when hiring a nanny.

What are the disadvantages of an in-home daycare?

Some potential disadvantages of an in-home daycare may include:

  • Limited availability: In-home daycares may have limited spots available, and if the provider becomes ill or takes time off, you may need to make alternate Child Care arrangements.
  • Lack of structure: In-home daycares may not have the same level of structure and routine as traditional daycare centers, which can be challenging for some children.
  • Fewer resources and activities: In-home daycares may not have the same resources and activities available as larger daycare centers. This could limit your child’s learning and socialization opportunities.

When deciding on an in-home daycare for your child, carefully consider all factors. Before making a decision, you may also want to visit the facility, meet with the provider, and ask for references from other parents.

How much of your budget should go to daycare?

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, families should aim to spend no more than 7% of their household income on Child Care expenses. This percentage can vary depending on your family’s financial situation and regional cost of living but be careful not to overspend in this area. Seek subsidies and grants that make Child Care more affordable.

Are there any programs or initiatives in place to help families with the high cost of Child Care?

Yes, there are various programs and initiatives in place to help families with the high cost of Child Care, such as:

  • Child Care Subsidy: Many states offer subsidies for low-income families to help cover the cost of Child Care.
  • Head Start and Early Head Start: These are federally funded programs that provide free or low-cost early education and Child Care services for eligible families.
  • Tax Credits: Families can claim tax credits such as the Child and Dependent Care Credit to offset some of the costs of Child Care.
  • Employer Benefits: Some employers may offer options such as Flexible Spending Accounts or Dependent Care Assistance Programs to help employees cover Child Care expenses.

What are the tax advantages for businesses to offer Child Care support? 

Investment in child care isn’t just a benefit for families – it’s a strategic advantage for employers and the economy. When companies support reliable, affordable care, they help reduce absenteeism, improve retention and productivity, and build a more stable, engaged workforce. At the same time, families benefit through increased income for essentials like food, education, and savings, and children gain stronger early learning experiences.

To accelerate these investments, the federal government has significantly enhanced the Employer-Provided Child Care Tax Credit (IRC Section 45F) beginning January 1, 2026. Under the updated rules, eligible businesses can claim:

  • 40% of qualified child care expenses, or
  • 50% for eligible small businesses,
  • With annual credit caps increased to $500,000–$600,000, plus an additional 10% credit for child care resource and referral costs.

Importantly, employers no longer need to operate an on-site center – contracted care, referral services, and third-party platforms may now qualify, making child care support more accessible for businesses of all sizes.

In addition to 45F, employers can stack other tax-advantaged tools — like Dependent Care Assistance Plans (DCAPs) and Dependent Care FSAs (DCFSA) — to lower employee costs and increase overall savings. Combined, these federal incentives can significantly offset the cost of supporting employee child care while strengthening recruitment, retention, and employee well-being.

Learn more in TOOTRiS’ Executive Guide to Leveraging Child Care Tax Incentives to Maximize Workforce ROI.

Beyond federal benefits, a majority of states are now offering tax credits or incentive programs for businesses to stimulate economic growth by providing Child Care solutions to their employees. Here is a state-by-state rundown of available business tax credits, incentives, or current legislation pertaining to potential Child Care tax credits for employers – 2025 State-by-State Guide to Business Child Care Tax Credits & Incentives. 

What is the ROI of providing Child Care Benefits? 

Return on Investment (ROI) is a measure of how much profit or cost savings a company can expect to receive from an investment. In the context of Child Care Benefits, ROI refers to the financial benefits that a company can expect to receive from offering Child Care Benefits to its employees. But the financial benefits of offering Child Care Benefits can include (as also mentioned above): 

  • Increased employee retention 
  • Increased employee productivity 
  • Reduced absenteeism 
  • Reduced turnover costs 
  • Improved recruitment and talent acquisition 
  • Improved employee health 

In looking to calculate the ROI of a Child Care Benefit, employers must carefully evaluate the total saving from the benefit (through reduced turnover costs, health care savings, increased productivity, etc.), and the overall cost of the benefit. To learn more, see our CFO’s Guide to Child Care Benefit ROI: A Statistical Analysis 

What are the top Child Care Benefit programs employers can implement? 

There are several different types of Child Care Benefits programs that employers can offer. Each one has a different level of commitment, finances, and impact on employees. The different models of implementing Child Care Benefits include: 

  • On-Site Child Care 
  • Subsidized Child Care 
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (DCFSAs) 
  • Referral Services 
  • TOOTRiS Child Care Benefits 

To understand the benefits and challenges to each, review the section on Choosing Child Care Benefit Programs in the CFO Guide.  

Resources for Virginia Employers

 

 

Related Posts

Get the latest TOOTRiS news delivered to your inbox