Is private school cheaper in Boston or New York City?

Boston has lower average private school tuition at $36,800/year vs $38,500/year in New York City. That's $1,700/year less, or $22,100 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Boston over New York City?

Average tuition in Boston is $1,700/year less than New York City. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $22,100 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $18,500/year in Boston, $17,500/year in New York City.

How do Boston and New York City private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Boston averages $36,800/year ($24,450 above average). New York City averages $38,500/year ($26,150 above average).

Private School Cost: Boston vs New York City

Boston averages $1,700/year less for private school (5% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $22,100 per child.

Bottom Line

Boston is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $36,800/year vs $38,500/year in New York City. Religious schools run $17,500/year on the low end.

Boston

$36,800

avg tuition/year

$24,450 above national avg

Lower cost

New York City

$38,500

avg tuition/year

$26,150 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Boston	New York City	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$36,800/yr	$38,500/yr	-$1,700
Religious Schools	$18,500/yr	$17,500/yr	+$1,000
Independent/Prep	$56,000/yr	$58,000/yr	-$2,000
Elementary (K-5)	$30,000/yr	$32,000/yr	-$2,000
Middle School (6-8)	$36,800/yr	$38,500/yr	-$1,700
High School (9-12)	$46,000/yr	$48,000/yr	-$2,000

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Boston

$478,400

New York City

$500,500

Choosing Boston saves $22,100 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $44,200.

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

New York City

Dalton School

Independent · K–12 · $60,310/yr

Trinity School NYC

Independent · K–12 · $59,900/yr

Horace Mann School

Independent · K–12 · $59,200/yr

Regis High School

Catholic (tuition-free) · 9–12

Full Boston breakdown → Full New York City breakdown →

Massachusetts private school costs New York private school costs

Related Comparisons

New York vs Philadelphia → New York vs Chicago → New York vs Houston → Boston vs Phoenix →

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.