Is private school cheaper in Des Moines or Lakeland?

Des Moines has lower average private school tuition at $6,900/year vs $9,600/year in Lakeland. That's $2,700/year less, or $35,100 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Des Moines is $2,700/year less than Lakeland. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $35,100 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $4,800/year in Des Moines, $6,600/year in Lakeland.

How do Des Moines and Lakeland 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). Lakeland averages $9,600/year ($2,750 below average).

Private School Cost: Des Moines vs Lakeland

Des Moines averages $2,700/year less for private school (39% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $35,100 per child.

Bottom Line

Des Moines is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,900/year vs $9,600/year in Lakeland. Religious schools run $4,800/year on the low end.

Des Moines

$6,900

avg tuition/year

$5,450 below national avg

Lower cost

Lakeland

$9,600

avg tuition/year

$2,750 below national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Des Moines	Lakeland	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$6,900/yr	$9,600/yr	-$2,700
Religious Schools	$4,800/yr	$6,600/yr	-$1,800
Independent/Prep	$14,400/yr	$19,800/yr	-$5,400
Elementary (K-5)	$5,900/yr	$8,200/yr	-$2,300
Middle School (6-8)	$6,900/yr	$9,600/yr	-$2,700
High School (9-12)	$8,300/yr	$11,500/yr	-$3,200

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Des Moines

$89,700

Lakeland

$124,800

Choosing Des Moines saves $35,100 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $70,200.

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

Lakeland

All Saints Academy (Lakeland)

Catholic · PK–12 · $13,800/yr

Victory Christian School (Lakeland)

Christian · K–12 · $9,400-$11,800/yr

Full Des Moines breakdown → Full Lakeland 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.