Private School Cost: Atlanta vs Montgomery
Montgomery averages $7,800/year less for private school (105% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $101,400 per child.
Bottom Line
Montgomery is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $7,400/year vs $15,200/year in Atlanta. Religious schools run $5,500/year on the low end.
Atlanta
GA
$15,200
avg tuition/year
Montgomery
AL
$7,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Atlanta | Montgomery | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $15,200/yr | $7,400/yr | +$7,800 |
| Religious Schools | $9,400/yr | $5,500/yr | +$3,900 |
| Independent/Prep | $28,500/yr | $15,100/yr | +$13,400 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $12,500/yr | $6,300/yr | +$6,200 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $15,200/yr | $7,400/yr | +$7,800 |
| High School (9-12) | $18,800/yr | $8,900/yr | +$9,900 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Atlanta
$197,600
Montgomery
$96,200
Choosing Montgomery saves $101,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $202,800.
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
Montgomery
Montgomery Academy
Independent · K–12 · $14,200/yr
Saint James School (Montgomery)
Christian · PK–12 · $12,800/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.