Daycare Cost in Norfolk, VA (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $1400/month in Norfolk. 14% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1230/month, preschool $1050/month.
Norfolk average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1400
14% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1230
$14,760/year
Preschool (center)
$1050
$12,600/year
School Age
$880
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1100
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$2,900
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Norfolk vs. Virginia vs. National Average
How Norfolk compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Norfolk |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,400/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,230/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,050/mo |
| School Age — Center | $880/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,100/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,900/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Norfolk
Full-time infant center care in Norfolk costs $16,800/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Norfolk families pay $2,040 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$16,800
Toddler / year
$14,760
Preschool / year
$12,600
School Age / year
$10,560
Childcare Subsidies in Virginia
Virginia participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $7,000/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $950/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Norfolk
How much does daycare cost in Norfolk?
Infant center-based daycare in Norfolk averages $1400/month in 2026. That's $170 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does Norfolk compare to the Virginia state average?
Norfolk is right at the Virginia statewide average for infant daycare. See all daycare costs in Virginia.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Norfolk?
Yes. In Norfolk: infant care ($1400/month) → toddler care ($1230/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($1050/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($880/month, 37% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Norfolk?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Norfolk averages $2,900/month versus $1400/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
Virginia daycare costs
See the full Virginia statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
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