Is private school cheaper in Baltimore or Tucson?

Tucson has lower average private school tuition at $10,800/year vs $18,500/year in Baltimore. That's $7,700/year less, or $100,100 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Tucson over Baltimore?

Average tuition in Tucson is $7,700/year less than Baltimore. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $100,100 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $10,800/year in Baltimore, $7,200/year in Tucson.

How do Baltimore and Tucson 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). Tucson averages $10,800/year ($1,550 below average).

Private School Cost: Baltimore vs Tucson

Tucson averages $7,700/year less for private school (71% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $100,100 per child.

Bottom Line

Tucson is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $10,800/year vs $18,500/year in Baltimore. Religious schools run $7,200/year on the low end.

Baltimore

$18,500

avg tuition/year

$6,150 above national avg

Tucson

$10,800

avg tuition/year

$1,550 below national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Baltimore	Tucson	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$18,500/yr	$10,800/yr	+$7,700
Religious Schools	$10,800/yr	$7,200/yr	+$3,600
Independent/Prep	$34,000/yr	$20,500/yr	+$13,500
Elementary (K-5)	$15,200/yr	$8,800/yr	+$6,400
Middle School (6-8)	$18,500/yr	$10,800/yr	+$7,700
High School (9-12)	$23,000/yr	$13,400/yr	+$9,600

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Baltimore

$240,500

Tucson

$140,400

Choosing Tucson saves $100,100 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $200,200.

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

Tucson

Basis Tucson North

Charter (Free) · 5–12

Salpointe Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/yr

Pusch Ridge Christian Academy

Christian · K–12 · $10,200-$11,800/yr

Tanque Verde School

Public District · K–12

Full Baltimore breakdown → Full Tucson breakdown →

Maryland private school costs Arizona private school costs

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.