Private School Cost: Amarillo vs Billings
Billings averages $2,400/year less for private school (31% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $31,200 per child.
Bottom Line
Billings is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $7,700/year vs $10,100/year in Amarillo. Religious schools run $5,200/year on the low end.
Amarillo
TX
$10,100
avg tuition/year
Billings
MT
$7,700
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Amarillo | Billings | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $10,100/yr | $7,700/yr | +$2,400 |
| Religious Schools | $6,900/yr | $5,200/yr | +$1,700 |
| Independent/Prep | $21,300/yr | $14,900/yr | +$6,400 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $8,600/yr | $6,500/yr | +$2,100 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $10,100/yr | $7,700/yr | +$2,400 |
| High School (9-12) | $12,100/yr | $9,200/yr | +$2,900 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Amarillo
$131,300
Billings
$100,100
Choosing Billings saves $31,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $62,400.
Sample Schools
Amarillo
Amarillo Christian School
Christian · PK–12 · $9,400-$11,200/yr
St. Mary's Academy (Amarillo)
Catholic · K–8 · $8,200-$10,200/yr
Billings
Billings Central Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $9,200/yr
Eagle Mount Academy (Billings)
Independent · K–12 · $8,400-$10,400/yr
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.