Daycare Cost in Richmond, VA (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $1470/month in Richmond. 20% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1290/month, preschool $1100/month.
Richmond average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1470
20% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1290
$15,480/year
Preschool (center)
$1100
$13,200/year
School Age
$920
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1160
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$3,050
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Richmond vs. Virginia vs. National Average
How Richmond compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Richmond |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,470/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,290/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,100/mo |
| School Age — Center | $920/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,160/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $3,050/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Richmond
Full-time infant center care in Richmond costs $17,640/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Richmond families pay $2,880 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$17,640
Toddler / year
$15,480
Preschool / year
$13,200
School Age / year
$11,040
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 Richmond
How much does daycare cost in Richmond?
Infant center-based daycare in Richmond averages $1470/month in 2026. That's $240 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does Richmond compare to the Virginia state average?
Richmond infant daycare runs about $70/month (5%) above the Virginia statewide average of $1400/month. Urban metros typically cost more than state averages due to higher rent, wages, and demand. See all daycare costs in Virginia.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Richmond?
Yes. In Richmond: infant care ($1470/month) → toddler care ($1290/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($1100/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($920/month, 37% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Richmond?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Richmond averages $3,050/month versus $1470/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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