Is private school cheaper in Columbus or Tampa?

Columbus has lower average private school tuition at $12,500/year vs $12,500/year in Tampa. That's $0/year less, or $0 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Columbus over Tampa?

Average tuition in Columbus is $0/year less than Tampa. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $0 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $8,000/year in Columbus, $8,200/year in Tampa.

How do Columbus and Tampa private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Columbus averages $12,500/year ($150 above average). Tampa averages $12,500/year ($150 above average).

Private School Cost: Columbus vs Tampa

Both cities average about the same for private school tuition.

Bottom Line

Both cities average around $12,500/year for private school. The difference shows up in school type: religious schools are much cheaper than independent prep.

Columbus

$12,500

avg tuition/year

$150 above national avg

Tampa

$12,500

avg tuition/year

$150 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Columbus	Tampa	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$12,500/yr	$12,500/yr	Same
Religious Schools	$8,000/yr	$8,200/yr	-$200
Independent/Prep	$23,500/yr	$23,500/yr	Same
Elementary (K-5)	$10,200/yr	$10,200/yr	Same
Middle School (6-8)	$12,500/yr	$12,500/yr	Same
High School (9-12)	$15,500/yr	$15,500/yr	Same

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Columbus

$162,500

Tampa

$162,500

Sample Schools

Columbus

Columbus School for Girls

Independent · PK–12 · $22,400-$24,800/yr

Columbus Academy

Independent · PK–12 · $24,200-$26,800/yr

DeSales High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $12,800/yr

Watterson Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $13,400/yr

Tampa

Academy at the Lakes

Independent · PK–12 · $23,800-$26,200/yr

Jesuit High School (Tampa)

Catholic · 9–12 · $16,800/yr

Berkeley Preparatory School

Independent · PK–12 · $27,200-$29,800/yr

Tampa Prep

Independent · 6–12 · $22,400-$24,200/yr

Full Columbus breakdown → Full Tampa breakdown →

Ohio private school costs Florida private school costs

Related Comparisons

Miami vs Tampa → Tampa vs Orlando → Chicago vs Columbus → Columbus vs Cincinnati →

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.