Is private school cheaper in Des Moines or Raleigh?

Des Moines has lower average private school tuition at $6,900/year vs $13,000/year in Raleigh. That's $6,100/year less, or $79,300 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Des Moines is $6,100/year less than Raleigh. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $79,300 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $4,800/year in Des Moines, $8,200/year in Raleigh.

How do Des Moines and Raleigh 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). Raleigh averages $13,000/year ($650 above average).

Private School Cost: Des Moines vs Raleigh

Des Moines averages $6,100/year less for private school (88% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $79,300 per child.

Bottom Line

Des Moines is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,900/year vs $13,000/year in Raleigh. Religious schools run $4,800/year on the low end.

Des Moines

$6,900

avg tuition/year

$5,450 below national avg

Lower cost

Raleigh

$13,000

avg tuition/year

$650 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Des Moines	Raleigh	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$6,900/yr	$13,000/yr	-$6,100
Religious Schools	$4,800/yr	$8,200/yr	-$3,400
Independent/Prep	$14,400/yr	$24,500/yr	-$10,100
Elementary (K-5)	$5,900/yr	$10,600/yr	-$4,700
Middle School (6-8)	$6,900/yr	$13,000/yr	-$6,100
High School (9-12)	$8,300/yr	$16,000/yr	-$7,700

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Des Moines

$89,700

Raleigh

$169,000

Choosing Des Moines saves $79,300 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $158,600.

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

Raleigh

Ravenscroft School

Independent · PK–12 · $26,800-$29,200/yr

Cardinal Gibbons High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $14,400/yr

Cary Academy

Independent · 6–12 · $22,400-$24,800/yr

Raleigh Charter High School

Charter (Free) · 9–12

Full Des Moines breakdown → Full Raleigh breakdown →

Iowa private school costs North Carolina 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.