Is private school cheaper in Baltimore or Washington DC?

Baltimore has lower average private school tuition at $18,500/year vs $28,400/year in Washington DC. That's $9,900/year less, or $128,700 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Baltimore is $9,900/year less than Washington DC. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $128,700 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $10,800/year in Baltimore, $15,200/year in Washington DC.

How do Baltimore and Washington DC 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). Washington DC averages $28,400/year ($16,050 above average).

Private School Cost: Baltimore vs Washington DC

Baltimore averages $9,900/year less for private school (54% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $128,700 per child.

Bottom Line

Baltimore is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $18,500/year vs $28,400/year in Washington DC. Religious schools run $10,800/year on the low end.

Baltimore

$18,500

avg tuition/year

$6,150 above national avg

Lower cost

Washington DC

$28,400

avg tuition/year

$16,050 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Baltimore	Washington DC	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$18,500/yr	$28,400/yr	-$9,900
Religious Schools	$10,800/yr	$15,200/yr	-$4,400
Independent/Prep	$34,000/yr	$46,000/yr	-$12,000
Elementary (K-5)	$15,200/yr	$23,000/yr	-$7,800
Middle School (6-8)	$18,500/yr	$28,400/yr	-$9,900
High School (9-12)	$23,000/yr	$35,500/yr	-$12,500

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Baltimore

$240,500

Washington DC

$369,200

Choosing Baltimore saves $128,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $257,400.

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

Washington DC

Sidwell Friends School

Independent (Quaker) · PK–12 · $52,900/yr

Georgetown Day School

Independent · PK–12 · $51,400/yr

National Cathedral School

Independent · 4–12 · $50,200/yr

Gonzaga College High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $25,400/yr

Full Baltimore breakdown → Full Washington DC breakdown →

Maryland private school costs District of Columbia private school costs

Related Comparisons

Washington DC vs Atlanta →

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.