Is private school cheaper in Buffalo or Des Moines?

Des Moines has lower average private school tuition at $6,900/year vs $18,500/year in Buffalo. That's $11,600/year less, or $150,800 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Des Moines over Buffalo?

Average tuition in Des Moines is $11,600/year less than Buffalo. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $150,800 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $10,600/year in Buffalo, $4,800/year in Des Moines.

How do Buffalo and Des Moines private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Buffalo averages $18,500/year ($6,150 above average). Des Moines averages $6,900/year ($5,450 below average).

Private School Cost: Buffalo vs Des Moines

Des Moines averages $11,600/year less for private school (168% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $150,800 per child.

Bottom Line

Des Moines is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,900/year vs $18,500/year in Buffalo. Religious schools run $4,800/year on the low end.

Buffalo

$18,500

avg tuition/year

$6,150 above national avg

Des Moines

$6,900

avg tuition/year

$5,450 below national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Buffalo	Des Moines	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$18,500/yr	$6,900/yr	+$11,600
Religious Schools	$10,600/yr	$4,800/yr	+$5,800
Independent/Prep	$39,400/yr	$14,400/yr	+$25,000
Elementary (K-5)	$15,700/yr	$5,900/yr	+$9,800
Middle School (6-8)	$18,500/yr	$6,900/yr	+$11,600
High School (9-12)	$22,200/yr	$8,300/yr	+$13,900

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Buffalo

$240,500

Des Moines

$89,700

Choosing Des Moines saves $150,800 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $301,600.

Sample Schools

Buffalo

Canisius High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $16,200/yr

Buffalo Seminary

Independent · 7–12 · $22,400/yr

Nardin Academy

Catholic · PK–12 · $16,800/yr

Des Moines

Dowling Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $10,400/yr

Des Moines Christian School

Christian · PK–12 · $9,600-$12,000/yr

Full Buffalo breakdown → Full Des Moines breakdown →

New York private school costs Iowa private school costs

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.