Private School Cost: Chicago vs Honolulu
Chicago averages $1,800/year less for private school (10% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $23,400 per child.
Bottom Line
Chicago is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $18,400/year vs $20,200/year in Honolulu. Religious schools run $10,200/year on the low end.
Chicago
IL
$18,400
avg tuition/year
Honolulu
HI
$20,200
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Chicago | Honolulu | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $18,400/yr | $20,200/yr | -$1,800 |
| Religious Schools | $10,200/yr | $12,900/yr | -$2,700 |
| Independent/Prep | $32,000/yr | $37,600/yr | -$5,600 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $15,000/yr | $17,200/yr | -$2,200 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $18,400/yr | $20,200/yr | -$1,800 |
| High School (9-12) | $22,800/yr | $24,200/yr | -$1,400 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Chicago
$239,200
Honolulu
$262,600
Choosing Chicago saves $23,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $46,800.
Sample Schools
Chicago
Latin School of Chicago
Independent · JK–12 · $38,040/yr
University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
Independent · N–12 · $35,700-$38,200/yr
Francis W. Parker School
Independent · JK–12 · $36,800/yr
St. Ignatius College Prep (Chicago)
Catholic · 9–12 · $19,400/yr
Honolulu
Punahou School
Independent · K–12 · $27,400/yr
Iolani School
Independent (Episcopal) · K–12 · $24,800/yr
Saint Louis School (Honolulu)
Catholic · 9–12 · $13,800/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.