Private School Cost: Chicago vs Tacoma
Tacoma averages $4,700/year less for private school (34% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $61,100 per child.
Bottom Line
Tacoma is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $13,700/year vs $18,400/year in Chicago. Religious schools run $9,400/year on the low end.
Chicago
IL
$18,400
avg tuition/year
Tacoma
WA
$13,700
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Chicago | Tacoma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $18,400/yr | $13,700/yr | +$4,700 |
| Religious Schools | $10,200/yr | $9,400/yr | +$800 |
| Independent/Prep | $32,000/yr | $29,400/yr | +$2,600 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $15,000/yr | $11,600/yr | +$3,400 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $18,400/yr | $13,700/yr | +$4,700 |
| High School (9-12) | $22,800/yr | $16,400/yr | +$6,400 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Chicago
$239,200
Tacoma
$178,100
Choosing Tacoma saves $61,100 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $122,200.
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
Tacoma
Charles Wright Academy
Independent · PK–12 · $28,400/yr
Bellarmine Preparatory School
Catholic · 9–12 · $18,400/yr
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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.