Private School Cost: Chicago vs Washington DC
Chicago averages $10,000/year less for private school (54% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $130,000 per child.
Bottom Line
Chicago is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $18,400/year vs $28,400/year in Washington DC. Religious schools run $10,200/year on the low end.
Chicago
IL
$18,400
avg tuition/year
Washington DC
DC
$28,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Chicago | Washington DC | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $18,400/yr | $28,400/yr | -$10,000 |
| Religious Schools | $10,200/yr | $15,200/yr | -$5,000 |
| Independent/Prep | $32,000/yr | $46,000/yr | -$14,000 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $15,000/yr | $23,000/yr | -$8,000 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $18,400/yr | $28,400/yr | -$10,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $22,800/yr | $35,500/yr | -$12,700 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Chicago
$239,200
Washington DC
$369,200
Choosing Chicago saves $130,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $260,000.
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
Washington DC
Sidwell Friends School
Independent (Quaker) · PK–12 · $52,900/yr
Georgetown Day School
Independent · PK–12 · $51,400/yr
National Cathedral School
Independent · 4–12 · $50,200/yr
Gonzaga College High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $25,400/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.