Private School Cost: Boston vs Jersey City
Jersey City averages $15,900/year less for private school (76% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $206,700 per child.
Bottom Line
Jersey City is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $20,900/year vs $36,800/year in Boston. Religious schools run $13,500/year on the low end.
Boston
MA
$36,800
avg tuition/year
Jersey City
NJ
$20,900
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Boston | Jersey City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $36,800/yr | $20,900/yr | +$15,900 |
| Religious Schools | $18,500/yr | $13,500/yr | +$5,000 |
| Independent/Prep | $56,000/yr | $44,800/yr | +$11,200 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $30,000/yr | $17,800/yr | +$12,200 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $36,800/yr | $20,900/yr | +$15,900 |
| High School (9-12) | $46,000/yr | $25,100/yr | +$20,900 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Boston
$478,400
Jersey City
$271,700
Choosing Jersey City saves $206,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $413,400.
Sample Schools
Boston
Boston Latin School (Exam)
Exam School (Public) · 7–12
Roxbury Latin School
Independent (need-based) · 7–12
Belmont Hill School
Independent · 7–12 · $59,800/yr
Boston College High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $23,100/yr
Jersey City
Hudson Catholic Regional High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $14,800/yr
Saint Aloysius Academy (Jersey City)
Catholic · K–8 · $10,800-$12,800/yr
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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.