Private School Cost: Bellevue vs Seattle
Bellevue averages $5,900/year less for private school (32% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $76,700 per child.
Bottom Line
Bellevue is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $18,600/year vs $24,500/year in Seattle. Religious schools run $12,700/year on the low end.
Bellevue
WA
$18,600
avg tuition/year
Seattle
WA
$24,500
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Bellevue | Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $18,600/yr | $24,500/yr | -$5,900 |
| Religious Schools | $12,700/yr | $13,200/yr | -$500 |
| Independent/Prep | $39,700/yr | $38,000/yr | +$1,700 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $15,800/yr | $20,000/yr | -$4,200 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $18,600/yr | $24,500/yr | -$5,900 |
| High School (9-12) | $22,300/yr | $30,500/yr | -$8,200 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Bellevue
$241,800
Seattle
$318,500
Choosing Bellevue saves $76,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $153,400.
Sample Schools
Bellevue
The Overlake School
Independent · 5–12 · $37,800/yr
Bellevue Christian School
Christian · PK–12 · $14,200/yr
Bellarmine Preparatory School (Tacoma)
Catholic · 9–12 · $18,400/yr
Seattle
University Prep
Independent · 6–12 · $42,800/yr
Northwest School
Independent · 6–12 · $39,400/yr
Seattle Prep
Catholic · 9–12 · $21,200/yr
O'Dea High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $17,800/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.