Private School Cost: Birmingham vs Phoenix
Birmingham averages $5,800/year less for private school (76% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $75,400 per child.
Bottom Line
Birmingham is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $7,600/year vs $13,400/year in Phoenix. Religious schools run $5,700/year on the low end.
Birmingham
AL
$7,600
avg tuition/year
Phoenix
AZ
$13,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Birmingham | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $7,600/yr | $13,400/yr | -$5,800 |
| Religious Schools | $5,700/yr | $8,600/yr | -$2,900 |
| Independent/Prep | $15,500/yr | $24,500/yr | -$9,000 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $6,500/yr | $11,000/yr | -$4,500 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $7,600/yr | $13,400/yr | -$5,800 |
| High School (9-12) | $9,100/yr | $16,500/yr | -$7,400 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Birmingham
$98,800
Phoenix
$174,200
Choosing Birmingham saves $75,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $150,800.
Sample Schools
Birmingham
Mountain Brook Academy
Independent · K–12 · $14,400/yr
Indian Springs School
Independent · 8–12 · $24,800/yr
Phoenix
Brophy College Preparatory
Catholic · 9–12 · $17,800/yr
Xavier College Preparatory
Catholic · 9–12 · $17,400/yr
Scottsdale Preparatory Academy
Independent · 6–12 · $12,800-$14,200/yr
Notre Dame Preparatory High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $16,200/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.