Private School Cost: Atlanta vs Chicago
Atlanta averages $3,200/year less for private school (21% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $41,600 per child.
Bottom Line
Atlanta is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $15,200/year vs $18,400/year in Chicago. Religious schools run $9,400/year on the low end.
Atlanta
GA
$15,200
avg tuition/year
Chicago
IL
$18,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Atlanta | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $15,200/yr | $18,400/yr | -$3,200 |
| Religious Schools | $9,400/yr | $10,200/yr | -$800 |
| Independent/Prep | $28,500/yr | $32,000/yr | -$3,500 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $12,500/yr | $15,000/yr | -$2,500 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $15,200/yr | $18,400/yr | -$3,200 |
| High School (9-12) | $18,800/yr | $22,800/yr | -$4,000 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Atlanta
$197,600
Chicago
$239,200
Choosing Atlanta saves $41,600 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $83,200.
Sample Schools
Atlanta
The Westminster Schools
Independent · 1–12 · $35,800-$38,400/yr
Pace Academy
Independent · K–12 · $34,200/yr
Lovett School
Independent · K–12 · $33,600/yr
Marist School Atlanta
Catholic · 7–12 · $19,400/yr
Chicago
Latin School of Chicago
Independent · JK–12 · $38,040/yr
University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
Independent · N–12 · $35,700-$38,200/yr
Francis W. Parker School
Independent · JK–12 · $36,800/yr
St. Ignatius College Prep (Chicago)
Catholic · 9–12 · $19,400/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.