Private School Cost: Boston vs Raleigh
Raleigh averages $23,800/year less for private school (183% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $309,400 per child.
Bottom Line
Raleigh is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $13,000/year vs $36,800/year in Boston. Religious schools run $8,200/year on the low end.
Boston
MA
$36,800
avg tuition/year
Raleigh
NC
$13,000
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Boston | Raleigh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $36,800/yr | $13,000/yr | +$23,800 |
| Religious Schools | $18,500/yr | $8,200/yr | +$10,300 |
| Independent/Prep | $56,000/yr | $24,500/yr | +$31,500 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $30,000/yr | $10,600/yr | +$19,400 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $36,800/yr | $13,000/yr | +$23,800 |
| High School (9-12) | $46,000/yr | $16,000/yr | +$30,000 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Boston
$478,400
Raleigh
$169,000
Choosing Raleigh saves $309,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $618,800.
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
Raleigh
Ravenscroft School
Independent · PK–12 · $26,800-$29,200/yr
Cardinal Gibbons High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $14,400/yr
Cary Academy
Independent · 6–12 · $22,400-$24,800/yr
Raleigh Charter High School
Charter (Free) · 9–12
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.