Is private school cheaper in Des Moines or Richmond?

Des Moines has lower average private school tuition at $6,900/year vs $14,500/year in Richmond. That's $7,600/year less, or $98,800 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Des Moines is $7,600/year less than Richmond. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $98,800 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $4,800/year in Des Moines, $9,200/year in Richmond.

How do Des Moines and Richmond 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). Richmond averages $14,500/year ($2,150 above average).

Private School Cost: Des Moines vs Richmond

Des Moines averages $7,600/year less for private school (110% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $98,800 per child.

Bottom Line

Des Moines is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,900/year vs $14,500/year in Richmond. Religious schools run $4,800/year on the low end.

Des Moines

$6,900

avg tuition/year

$5,450 below national avg

Lower cost

Richmond

$14,500

avg tuition/year

$2,150 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Des Moines	Richmond	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$6,900/yr	$14,500/yr	-$7,600
Religious Schools	$4,800/yr	$9,200/yr	-$4,400
Independent/Prep	$14,400/yr	$27,000/yr	-$12,600
Elementary (K-5)	$5,900/yr	$11,800/yr	-$5,900
Middle School (6-8)	$6,900/yr	$14,500/yr	-$7,600
High School (9-12)	$8,300/yr	$18,000/yr	-$9,700

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Des Moines

$89,700

Richmond

$188,500

Choosing Des Moines saves $98,800 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $197,600.

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

Richmond

St. Catherine's School (Richmond)

Independent · PK–12 · $28,800-$31,400/yr

St. Christopher's School

Independent · K–12 · $29,200-$31,800/yr

Collegiate School (Richmond)

Independent · PK–12 · $30,400-$32,800/yr

Benedictine College Preparatory

Catholic · 9–12 · $16,200/yr

Full Des Moines breakdown → Full Richmond 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.