Private School Cost: Denver vs Phoenix
Phoenix averages $3,000/year less for private school (22% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $39,000 per child.
Bottom Line
Phoenix is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $13,400/year vs $16,400/year in Denver. Religious schools run $8,600/year on the low end.
Denver
CO
$16,400
avg tuition/year
Phoenix
AZ
$13,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Denver | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $16,400/yr | $13,400/yr | +$3,000 |
| Religious Schools | $9,800/yr | $8,600/yr | +$1,200 |
| Independent/Prep | $28,500/yr | $24,500/yr | +$4,000 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $13,500/yr | $11,000/yr | +$2,500 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $16,400/yr | $13,400/yr | +$3,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $20,200/yr | $16,500/yr | +$3,700 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Denver
$213,200
Phoenix
$174,200
Choosing Phoenix saves $39,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $78,000.
Sample Schools
Denver
Kent Denver School
Independent · 6–12 · $35,200-$37,800/yr
Colorado Academy
Independent · PK–12 · $33,800-$36,400/yr
Regis Jesuit High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $18,800/yr
Mullen High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $17,400/yr
Phoenix
Brophy College Preparatory
Catholic · 9–12 · $17,800/yr
Xavier College Preparatory
Catholic · 9–12 · $17,400/yr
Scottsdale Preparatory Academy
Independent · 6–12 · $12,800-$14,200/yr
Notre Dame Preparatory High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $16,200/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.