Private School Cost: Birmingham vs Boston
Birmingham averages $29,200/year less for private school (384% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $379,600 per child.
Bottom Line
Birmingham is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $7,600/year vs $36,800/year in Boston. Religious schools run $5,700/year on the low end.
Birmingham
AL
$7,600
avg tuition/year
Boston
MA
$36,800
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Birmingham | Boston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $7,600/yr | $36,800/yr | -$29,200 |
| Religious Schools | $5,700/yr | $18,500/yr | -$12,800 |
| Independent/Prep | $15,500/yr | $56,000/yr | -$40,500 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $6,500/yr | $30,000/yr | -$23,500 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $7,600/yr | $36,800/yr | -$29,200 |
| High School (9-12) | $9,100/yr | $46,000/yr | -$36,900 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Birmingham
$98,800
Boston
$478,400
Choosing Birmingham saves $379,600 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $759,200.
Sample Schools
Birmingham
Mountain Brook Academy
Independent · K–12 · $14,400/yr
Indian Springs School
Independent · 8–12 · $24,800/yr
Boston
Boston Latin School (Exam)
Exam School (Public) · 7–12
Roxbury Latin School
Independent (need-based) · 7–12
Belmont Hill School
Independent · 7–12 · $59,800/yr
Boston College High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $23,100/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.