Private School Cost: Burlington vs Phoenix
Phoenix averages $4,800/year less for private school (36% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $62,400 per child.
Bottom Line
Phoenix is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $13,400/year vs $18,200/year in Burlington. Religious schools run $8,600/year on the low end.
Burlington
VT
$18,200
avg tuition/year
Phoenix
AZ
$13,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Burlington | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $18,200/yr | $13,400/yr | +$4,800 |
| Religious Schools | $11,000/yr | $8,600/yr | +$2,400 |
| Independent/Prep | $39,800/yr | $24,500/yr | +$15,300 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $15,500/yr | $11,000/yr | +$4,500 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $18,200/yr | $13,400/yr | +$4,800 |
| High School (9-12) | $21,800/yr | $16,500/yr | +$5,300 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Burlington
$236,600
Phoenix
$174,200
Choosing Phoenix saves $62,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $124,800.
Sample Schools
Burlington
Rice Memorial High School (Burlington VT)
Catholic · 9–12 · $13,200/yr
Champlain Valley Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $9,400-$11,800/yr
Phoenix
Brophy College Preparatory
Catholic · 9–12 · $17,800/yr
Xavier College Preparatory
Catholic · 9–12 · $17,400/yr
Scottsdale Preparatory Academy
Independent · 6–12 · $12,800-$14,200/yr
Notre Dame Preparatory High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $16,200/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.