Private School Cost: Birmingham vs Mesa
Birmingham averages $1,800/year less for private school (24% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $23,400 per child.
Bottom Line
Birmingham is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $7,600/year vs $9,400/year in Mesa. Religious schools run $5,700/year on the low end.
Birmingham
AL
$7,600
avg tuition/year
Mesa
AZ
$9,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Birmingham | Mesa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $7,600/yr | $9,400/yr | -$1,800 |
| Religious Schools | $5,700/yr | $7,000/yr | -$1,300 |
| Independent/Prep | $15,500/yr | $18,000/yr | -$2,500 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $6,500/yr | $8,000/yr | -$1,500 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $7,600/yr | $9,400/yr | -$1,800 |
| High School (9-12) | $9,100/yr | $11,300/yr | -$2,200 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Birmingham
$98,800
Mesa
$122,200
Choosing Birmingham saves $23,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $46,800.
Sample Schools
Birmingham
Mountain Brook Academy
Independent · K–12 · $14,400/yr
Indian Springs School
Independent · 8–12 · $24,800/yr
Mesa
Gilbert Christian Schools
Christian · K–12 · $9,800-$12,400/yr
Mesa Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $8,600-$10,800/yr
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.