Is private school cheaper in Albuquerque or Phoenix?

Albuquerque has lower average private school tuition at $10,200/year vs $13,400/year in Phoenix. That's $3,200/year less, or $41,600 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Albuquerque over Phoenix?

Average tuition in Albuquerque is $3,200/year less than Phoenix. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $41,600 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $7,000/year in Albuquerque, $8,600/year in Phoenix.

How do Albuquerque and Phoenix private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Albuquerque averages $10,200/year ($2,150 below average). Phoenix averages $13,400/year ($1,050 above average).

Private School Cost: Albuquerque vs Phoenix

Albuquerque averages $3,200/year less for private school (31% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $41,600 per child.

Bottom Line

Albuquerque is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $10,200/year vs $13,400/year in Phoenix. Religious schools run $7,000/year on the low end.

Albuquerque

$10,200

avg tuition/year

$2,150 below national avg

Lower cost

Phoenix

$13,400

avg tuition/year

$1,050 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Albuquerque	Phoenix	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$10,200/yr	$13,400/yr	-$3,200
Religious Schools	$7,000/yr	$8,600/yr	-$1,600
Independent/Prep	$19,000/yr	$24,500/yr	-$5,500
Elementary (K-5)	$8,400/yr	$11,000/yr	-$2,600
Middle School (6-8)	$10,200/yr	$13,400/yr	-$3,200
High School (9-12)	$12,500/yr	$16,500/yr	-$4,000

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Albuquerque

$132,600

Phoenix

$174,200

Choosing Albuquerque saves $41,600 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $83,200.

Sample Schools

Albuquerque

Albuquerque Academy

Independent · 6–12 · $20,800-$22,400/yr

Sandia Preparatory School

Independent · 6–12 · $18,400/yr

St. Pius X High School (Albuquerque)

Catholic · 9–12 · $10,800/yr

Bosque School

Independent · 6–12 · $19,800-$21,400/yr

Phoenix

Brophy College Preparatory

Catholic · 9–12 · $17,800/yr

Xavier College Preparatory

Catholic · 9–12 · $17,400/yr

Scottsdale Preparatory Academy

Independent · 6–12 · $12,800-$14,200/yr

Notre Dame Preparatory High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $16,200/yr

Full Albuquerque breakdown → Full Phoenix breakdown →

New Mexico private school costs Arizona private school costs

Related Comparisons

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About This Comparison

This comparison uses NCES Private School Universe Survey data, adjusted for metro-level cost-of-living differences. "Average tuition" blends religious schools (Catholic, Christian) and independent day/prep schools. Religious schools typically cost 60-70% less than independent schools in the same city.

Grade-level estimates (elementary, middle, high) are derived from the city average using national grade-level multipliers. High school tuition typically runs 15-25% above the city average; elementary runs 10-20% below.