Is private school cheaper in Des Moines or Minneapolis?

Des Moines has lower average private school tuition at $6,900/year vs $15,000/year in Minneapolis. That's $8,100/year less, or $105,300 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Des Moines is $8,100/year less than Minneapolis. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $105,300 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $4,800/year in Des Moines, $9,200/year in Minneapolis.

How do Des Moines and Minneapolis 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). Minneapolis averages $15,000/year ($2,650 above average).

Private School Cost: Des Moines vs Minneapolis

Des Moines averages $8,100/year less for private school (117% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $105,300 per child.

Bottom Line

Des Moines is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,900/year vs $15,000/year in Minneapolis. Religious schools run $4,800/year on the low end.

Des Moines

$6,900

avg tuition/year

$5,450 below national avg

Lower cost

Minneapolis

$15,000

avg tuition/year

$2,650 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Des Moines	Minneapolis	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$6,900/yr	$15,000/yr	-$8,100
Religious Schools	$4,800/yr	$9,200/yr	-$4,400
Independent/Prep	$14,400/yr	$27,500/yr	-$13,100
Elementary (K-5)	$5,900/yr	$12,200/yr	-$6,300
Middle School (6-8)	$6,900/yr	$15,000/yr	-$8,100
High School (9-12)	$8,300/yr	$18,500/yr	-$10,200

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Des Moines

$89,700

Minneapolis

$195,000

Choosing Des Moines saves $105,300 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $210,600.

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

Minneapolis

Blake School

Independent · PK–12 · $34,800-$37,200/yr

Breck School

Independent · PK–12 · $28,400/yr

Minnehaha Academy

Christian · PK–12 · $16,200-$17,800/yr

De La Salle High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $15,800/yr

Full Des Moines breakdown → Full Minneapolis breakdown →

Iowa private school costs Minnesota private school costs

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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.