Private School Cost: Boise vs Seattle
Boise averages $16,500/year less for private school (206% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $214,500 per child.
Bottom Line
Boise is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,000/year vs $24,500/year in Seattle. Religious schools run $5,500/year on the low end.
Boise
ID
$8,000
avg tuition/year
Seattle
WA
$24,500
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Boise | Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $8,000/yr | $24,500/yr | -$16,500 |
| Religious Schools | $5,500/yr | $13,200/yr | -$7,700 |
| Independent/Prep | $15,500/yr | $38,000/yr | -$22,500 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $6,800/yr | $20,000/yr | -$13,200 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $8,000/yr | $24,500/yr | -$16,500 |
| High School (9-12) | $9,600/yr | $30,500/yr | -$20,900 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Boise
$104,000
Seattle
$318,500
Choosing Boise saves $214,500 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $429,000.
Sample Schools
Boise
The Ambrose School (Boise)
Christian Classical · PK–12 · $12,200-$14,800/yr
Boise Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $9,400-$11,800/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.