Is private school cheaper in Des Moines or Jersey City?

Des Moines has lower average private school tuition at $6,900/year vs $20,900/year in Jersey City. That's $14,000/year less, or $182,000 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Des Moines is $14,000/year less than Jersey City. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $182,000 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $4,800/year in Des Moines, $13,500/year in Jersey City.

How do Des Moines and Jersey City 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). Jersey City averages $20,900/year ($8,550 above average).

Private School Cost: Des Moines vs Jersey City

Des Moines averages $14,000/year less for private school (203% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $182,000 per child.

Bottom Line

Des Moines is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,900/year vs $20,900/year in Jersey City. Religious schools run $4,800/year on the low end.

Des Moines

$6,900

avg tuition/year

$5,450 below national avg

Lower cost

Jersey City

$20,900

avg tuition/year

$8,550 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Des Moines	Jersey City	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$6,900/yr	$20,900/yr	-$14,000
Religious Schools	$4,800/yr	$13,500/yr	-$8,700
Independent/Prep	$14,400/yr	$44,800/yr	-$30,400
Elementary (K-5)	$5,900/yr	$17,800/yr	-$11,900
Middle School (6-8)	$6,900/yr	$20,900/yr	-$14,000
High School (9-12)	$8,300/yr	$25,100/yr	-$16,800

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Des Moines

$89,700

Jersey City

$271,700

Choosing Des Moines saves $182,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $364,000.

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

Jersey City

Hudson Catholic Regional High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $14,800/yr

Saint Aloysius Academy (Jersey City)

Catholic · K–8 · $10,800-$12,800/yr

Full Des Moines breakdown → Full Jersey City breakdown →

Iowa private school costs New Jersey private school costs

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.