Private School Cost: Boston vs Wilmington
Wilmington averages $26,800/year less for private school (268% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $348,400 per child.
Bottom Line
Wilmington is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $10,000/year vs $36,800/year in Boston. Religious schools run $7,100/year on the low end.
Boston
MA
$36,800
avg tuition/year
Wilmington
NC
$10,000
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Boston | Wilmington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $36,800/yr | $10,000/yr | +$26,800 |
| Religious Schools | $18,500/yr | $7,100/yr | +$11,400 |
| Independent/Prep | $56,000/yr | $21,100/yr | +$34,900 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $30,000/yr | $8,500/yr | +$21,500 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $36,800/yr | $10,000/yr | +$26,800 |
| High School (9-12) | $46,000/yr | $12,000/yr | +$34,000 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Boston
$478,400
Wilmington
$130,000
Choosing Wilmington saves $348,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $696,800.
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
Wilmington
Cape Fear Academy
Independent · PK–12 · $16,400/yr
Wilmington Christian Academy
Christian · K–12 · $9,400-$11,800/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.