Private School Cost: Birmingham vs Seattle
Birmingham averages $16,900/year less for private school (222% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $219,700 per child.
Bottom Line
Birmingham is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $7,600/year vs $24,500/year in Seattle. Religious schools run $5,700/year on the low end.
Birmingham
AL
$7,600
avg tuition/year
Seattle
WA
$24,500
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Birmingham | Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $7,600/yr | $24,500/yr | -$16,900 |
| Religious Schools | $5,700/yr | $13,200/yr | -$7,500 |
| Independent/Prep | $15,500/yr | $38,000/yr | -$22,500 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $6,500/yr | $20,000/yr | -$13,500 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $7,600/yr | $24,500/yr | -$16,900 |
| High School (9-12) | $9,100/yr | $30,500/yr | -$21,400 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Birmingham
$98,800
Seattle
$318,500
Choosing Birmingham saves $219,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $439,400.
Sample Schools
Birmingham
Mountain Brook Academy
Independent · K–12 · $14,400/yr
Indian Springs School
Independent · 8–12 · $24,800/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.