Is private school cheaper in Baltimore or New York City?

Baltimore has lower average private school tuition at $18,500/year vs $38,500/year in New York City. That's $20,000/year less, or $260,000 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Baltimore over New York City?

Average tuition in Baltimore is $20,000/year less than New York City. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $260,000 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $10,800/year in Baltimore, $17,500/year in New York City.

How do Baltimore and New York City private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Baltimore averages $18,500/year ($6,150 above average). New York City averages $38,500/year ($26,150 above average).

Private School Cost: Baltimore vs New York City

Baltimore averages $20,000/year less for private school (108% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $260,000 per child.

Bottom Line

Baltimore is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $18,500/year vs $38,500/year in New York City. Religious schools run $10,800/year on the low end.

Baltimore

$18,500

avg tuition/year

$6,150 above national avg

Lower cost

New York City

$38,500

avg tuition/year

$26,150 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Baltimore	New York City	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$18,500/yr	$38,500/yr	-$20,000
Religious Schools	$10,800/yr	$17,500/yr	-$6,700
Independent/Prep	$34,000/yr	$58,000/yr	-$24,000
Elementary (K-5)	$15,200/yr	$32,000/yr	-$16,800
Middle School (6-8)	$18,500/yr	$38,500/yr	-$20,000
High School (9-12)	$23,000/yr	$48,000/yr	-$25,000

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Baltimore

$240,500

New York City

$500,500

Choosing Baltimore saves $260,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $520,000.

Sample Schools

Baltimore

Gilman School

Independent · K–12 · $38,200-$40,800/yr

Roland Park Country School

Independent · K–12 · $36,800/yr

Calvert Hall College High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $19,400/yr

Loyola Blakefield

Catholic · 6–12 · $24,800/yr

New York City

Dalton School

Independent · K–12 · $60,310/yr

Trinity School NYC

Independent · K–12 · $59,900/yr

Horace Mann School

Independent · K–12 · $59,200/yr

Regis High School

Catholic (tuition-free) · 9–12

Full Baltimore breakdown → Full New York City breakdown →

Maryland private school costs New York private school costs

Related Comparisons

New York vs Boston → New York vs Philadelphia → New York vs Chicago → New York vs Houston →

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.