Private School Cost: Bridgeport vs Tacoma
Tacoma averages $9,400/year less for private school (69% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $122,200 per child.
Bottom Line
Tacoma is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $13,700/year vs $23,100/year in Bridgeport. Religious schools run $9,400/year on the low end.
Bridgeport
CT
$23,100
avg tuition/year
Tacoma
WA
$13,700
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Bridgeport | Tacoma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $23,100/yr | $13,700/yr | +$9,400 |
| Religious Schools | $12,700/yr | $9,400/yr | +$3,300 |
| Independent/Prep | $45,900/yr | $29,400/yr | +$16,500 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $19,600/yr | $11,600/yr | +$8,000 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $23,100/yr | $13,700/yr | +$9,400 |
| High School (9-12) | $27,700/yr | $16,400/yr | +$11,300 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Bridgeport
$300,300
Tacoma
$178,100
Choosing Tacoma saves $122,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $244,400.
Sample Schools
Bridgeport
Fairfield Prep
Catholic · 9–12 · $22,800/yr
Academy of Our Lady of Mercy
Catholic · PK–12 · $14,800/yr
Tacoma
Charles Wright Academy
Independent · PK–12 · $28,400/yr
Bellarmine Preparatory School
Catholic · 9–12 · $18,400/yr
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.