Summer vacation is winding down and back-to-school is on the horizon. If you’re wondering how much it’s all going to cost you this year, we’ve put together this guide to help you prepare your budget as best as possible.
The Average Cost Per Kid
Families in Northern Virginia can expect to spend an average of $874.68 per child during the 2026 back-to-school season and 2027 school year. However, the cost can depend on what your child needs for school and if they’re involved in a sport or extracurricular.
1. School Supplies: An Average of $150
School supplies includes backpacks, notebooks, folders, pencils, binders and other classroom-specific items.
Tip: Reuse what you have from last year and consider buying only the basics for now.
2. Clothing and Shoes: $200-$300
Growing children always need new clothes, and older kids will want to keep up with trends and their personal style.
Tip: Start with just the essentials: a good pair of shoes and a few pieces they can mix and match. You can continue seasonal shopping as sales pop up.
3. Technology: Up to $800
If your child's school doesn’t provide tech, look into used or slightly older laptop or calculator models.
Tip: Only upgrade technology if it’s truly necessary. Many families overspend in this category when it isn’t always needed.
4. Extracurriculars and Sports: Between $50 and $300
Participating in activities outside of class is crucial to your child’s development, but the costs can add up fast. For example, club fees can be as low as $50, but sports that require gear can be $300 or more.
Tip: Help your children prioritize one or two activities they want to do each year. This way, they can still be involved without financial strain.
5. The Forgotten Extras: Around $100
Water bottles, school lunch fees, apparel for school spirit days: these items may not appear on back-to-school lists, but they’re still crucial.
Tip: After you’ve completed your back-to-school shopping, set $100 aside for any of these extras that might come up during the first few weeks back.
Tips for Back-to-School Budgeting in 2026
The total cost of back-to-school is overwhelming. Here are some strategies you can follow to make it feel more manageable.
Prioritize Your Spending
Don’t try to check everything off your list at once. Start with buying the essentials you know your kids will need, then wait a few weeks to see what else comes up.
Shop Tax-Free in Virginia and Maryland
Each year in August, Virginia and Maryland both participate in sales tax holidays for back-to-school season. In Virginia, several of the big-name department stores, office supply stores and pharmacies will be participating in a sales tax holiday from August 7 to August 9. In Maryland, families can enjoy no sales tax from August 9 to August 15, with some exceptions.
Submit Your Claims for Your Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA)
A DCFSA can save you up to 30% on qualifying dependent care expenses such as:
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Before and after school care
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Babysitters and nannies
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Daycare, nursery and preschool
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Summer day camp.
Log into your FSAFEDS.gov account to submit your claims and view the status of your claims. You can also select whether you’d like to be reimbursed by check or direct deposit.
Don’t have a DCFSA? Find out if you’re eligible and enroll during the next Open Season—usually between November and December each year.
Be Open with Your Kids About Your Budget
Give each child their own budget for back-to-school shopping, such as:
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Supplies: $150
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Clothing: $200
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Extras: $100
Involving your kids in budgeting and shopping will help them prioritize the supplies they need and understand the value of money. Keep these conversations open and encourage questions to help them build their skills.
Helping the Whole Family Feel Financially Confident
At Apple Federal Credit Union, we believe that it’s never too early to start building your kids’ financial skills. Back-to-school season is full of opportunities to talk to your children about money. If you’re looking for more resources, check out our articles on talking to young kids about money and talking to older kids about money.
Need some more help budgeting? Download and print this back-to-school checklist to help you prepare!
