Is private school cheaper in Cincinnati or Des Moines?

Des Moines has lower average private school tuition at $6,900/year vs $11,800/year in Cincinnati. That's $4,900/year less, or $63,700 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Des Moines is $4,900/year less than Cincinnati. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $63,700 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $7,600/year in Cincinnati, $4,800/year in Des Moines.

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

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Cincinnati averages $11,800/year ($550 below average). Des Moines averages $6,900/year ($5,450 below average).

Private School Cost: Cincinnati vs Des Moines

Des Moines averages $4,900/year less for private school (71% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $63,700 per child.

Bottom Line

Des Moines is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,900/year vs $11,800/year in Cincinnati. Religious schools run $4,800/year on the low end.

Cincinnati

$11,800

avg tuition/year

$550 below national avg

Des Moines

$6,900

avg tuition/year

$5,450 below national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Cincinnati	Des Moines	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$11,800/yr	$6,900/yr	+$4,900
Religious Schools	$7,600/yr	$4,800/yr	+$2,800
Independent/Prep	$22,000/yr	$14,400/yr	+$7,600
Elementary (K-5)	$9,600/yr	$5,900/yr	+$3,700
Middle School (6-8)	$11,800/yr	$6,900/yr	+$4,900
High School (9-12)	$14,600/yr	$8,300/yr	+$6,300

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Cincinnati

$153,400

Des Moines

$89,700

Choosing Des Moines saves $63,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $127,400.

Sample Schools

Cincinnati

Cincinnati Country Day School

Independent · PK–12 · $24,400-$26,800/yr

Seven Hills School

Independent · PK–12 · $22,800-$25,200/yr

Moeller High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $13,800/yr

Elder High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/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 Cincinnati breakdown → Full Des Moines breakdown →

Ohio private school costs Iowa private school costs

Related Comparisons

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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.