Daycare Cost: Washington vs Richmond (2026)
Richmond infant center care runs $1470/month — $930/month less than Washington's $2400/month. That's $11,160/year per child.
Washington, DC
$2400
infant/month
+$1170 vs national avg
Richmond, VA
$1470
infant/month
+$240 vs national avg
Washington vs Richmond — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | Washington | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Infant — Center | $2,400/mo | $1,470/mo ✓ |
| Toddler — Center | $2,100/mo | $1,290/mo ✓ |
| Preschool — Center | $1,800/mo | $1,100/mo ✓ |
| School Age | $1,500/mo | $920/mo ✓ |
| Infant — Home | $1,900/mo | $1,160/mo ✓ |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $4,200/mo | $3,050/mo ✓ |
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For infant center-based care, Richmond costs $17,640/year vs Washington's $28,800/year.
Monthly savings
$930
Annual savings
$11,160
2-year infant care
$22,320
% difference
63%
Savings = Washington cost minus Richmond cost. Infant center-based care only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is daycare cheaper in Washington or Richmond?
Richmond is cheaper for infant center-based care at $1470/month, vs. $2400/month in Washington — a $930/month gap. Richmond wins on 6 of 6 care categories.
How much can I save on daycare moving from Washington to Richmond?
Infant center-based care in Richmond runs $930/month less than in Washington. Over a typical two-year infant care period, that's $22,320 saved — not counting toddler or preschool years.
How do both cities compare to the national average?
The national average for infant center-based care is $1230/month. Washington is $1170 above the national average, and Richmond is $240 above.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Daycare in Washington · Daycare in Richmond · All city comparisons