Private School Cost: Birmingham vs Spokane
Birmingham averages $5,200/year less for private school (68% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $67,600 per child.
Bottom Line
Birmingham is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $7,600/year vs $12,800/year in Spokane. Religious schools run $5,700/year on the low end.
Birmingham
AL
$7,600
avg tuition/year
Spokane
WA
$12,800
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Birmingham | Spokane | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $7,600/yr | $12,800/yr | -$5,200 |
| Religious Schools | $5,700/yr | $8,700/yr | -$3,000 |
| Independent/Prep | $15,500/yr | $27,400/yr | -$11,900 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $6,500/yr | $10,900/yr | -$4,400 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $7,600/yr | $12,800/yr | -$5,200 |
| High School (9-12) | $9,100/yr | $15,400/yr | -$6,300 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Birmingham
$98,800
Spokane
$166,400
Choosing Birmingham saves $67,600 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $135,200.
Sample Schools
Birmingham
Mountain Brook Academy
Independent · K–12 · $14,400/yr
Indian Springs School
Independent · 8–12 · $24,800/yr
Spokane
Gonzaga Preparatory School
Catholic · 9–12 · $13,400/yr
Spokane Christian Academy
Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/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.