Private School Cost: Alexandria vs Phoenix
Phoenix averages $5,400/year less for private school (40% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $70,200 per child.
Bottom Line
Phoenix is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $13,400/year vs $18,800/year in Alexandria. Religious schools run $8,600/year on the low end.
Alexandria
VA
$18,800
avg tuition/year
Phoenix
AZ
$13,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Alexandria | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $18,800/yr | $13,400/yr | +$5,400 |
| Religious Schools | $12,900/yr | $8,600/yr | +$4,300 |
| Independent/Prep | $37,600/yr | $24,500/yr | +$13,100 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $16,000/yr | $11,000/yr | +$5,000 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $18,800/yr | $13,400/yr | +$5,400 |
| High School (9-12) | $22,600/yr | $16,500/yr | +$6,100 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Alexandria
$244,400
Phoenix
$174,200
Choosing Phoenix saves $70,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $140,400.
Sample Schools
Alexandria
Episcopal High School (Alexandria VA)
Independent (Episcopal) · 9–12 · $65,800/yr
Bishop Ireton High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $18,400/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
Related Comparisons
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.