The cost of just about everything has increased over the past four years, and day care for Virginia’s youngest residents is no exception.
Day care centers and nursery schools typically provide care for infants in a group setting. Since 2018, the estimated cost of infant center-based care in Virginia has increased more than 11%, based on federal data using the Consumer Price Index. This is leading to median cost increases as high as $1,331 more per year for Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Portsmouth.
In this file photo from 2019, 9-month-old Kara peeks through one of the many toys scattered on the floor of the infant room at Main Street Day Care. (Stephen M. Katz/The Virginian-Pilot)
In 2018, Virginia families spent more than 10% of their income on this type of care, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s National Database of Childcare Prices.
Costs are highest in Virginia’s metro areas: Northern Virginia, Richmond and Hampton Roads.
In Arlington, the 2022 estimated yearly cost of infant center-based care was $27,220 — the highest in Virginia.
The 2022 cost in Richmond was $14,479, an increase from $13,000 in 2018. In 2018, families there spent an estimated 21.5% of their income on infant care.
Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Portsmouth each have an estimated cost of $13,031 each year, an increase from $11,700 in 2018.
Take a look at our map below to see the median annual cost of infant center-based for each locality in Virginia. The map displays the estimated annual cost in 2022. Hover over each locality to see the cost in 2018, and the share of income in 2018. Note: Data was not available for the share of family income in 2022.
Can’t see the interactive graphic below? Try tapping here.
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