Is private school cheaper in Des Moines or Hartford?

Des Moines has lower average private school tuition at $6,900/year vs $28,000/year in Hartford. That's $21,100/year less, or $274,300 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Des Moines is $21,100/year less than Hartford. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $274,300 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $4,800/year in Des Moines, $15,800/year in Hartford.

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

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Des Moines averages $6,900/year ($5,450 below average). Hartford averages $28,000/year ($15,650 above average).

Private School Cost: Des Moines vs Hartford

Des Moines averages $21,100/year less for private school (306% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $274,300 per child.

Bottom Line

Des Moines is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,900/year vs $28,000/year in Hartford. Religious schools run $4,800/year on the low end.

Des Moines

$6,900

avg tuition/year

$5,450 below national avg

Lower cost

Hartford

$28,000

avg tuition/year

$15,650 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Des Moines	Hartford	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$6,900/yr	$28,000/yr	-$21,100
Religious Schools	$4,800/yr	$15,800/yr	-$11,000
Independent/Prep	$14,400/yr	$44,500/yr	-$30,100
Elementary (K-5)	$5,900/yr	$22,800/yr	-$16,900
Middle School (6-8)	$6,900/yr	$28,000/yr	-$21,100
High School (9-12)	$8,300/yr	$35,000/yr	-$26,700

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Des Moines

$89,700

Hartford

$364,000

Choosing Des Moines saves $274,300 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $548,600.

Sample Schools

Des Moines

Dowling Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $10,400/yr

Des Moines Christian School

Christian · PK–12 · $9,600-$12,000/yr

Hartford

Kingswood Oxford School

Independent · 6–12 · $44,800-$47,200/yr

Loomis Chaffee School

Independent (Day) · 9–12 · $48,200/yr

Watkinson School

Independent · 6–12 · $36,800/yr

Northwest Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $17,800/yr

Full Des Moines breakdown → Full Hartford breakdown →

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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.