Is private school cheaper in Des Moines or Rio Rancho?

Des Moines has lower average private school tuition at $6,900/year vs $8,100/year in Rio Rancho. That's $1,200/year less, or $15,600 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Des Moines is $1,200/year less than Rio Rancho. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $15,600 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $4,800/year in Des Moines, $5,700/year in Rio Rancho.

How do Des Moines and Rio Rancho 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). Rio Rancho averages $8,100/year ($4,250 below average).

Private School Cost: Des Moines vs Rio Rancho

Des Moines averages $1,200/year less for private school (17% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $15,600 per child.

Bottom Line

Des Moines is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,900/year vs $8,100/year in Rio Rancho. Religious schools run $4,800/year on the low end.

Des Moines

$6,900

avg tuition/year

$5,450 below national avg

Lower cost

Rio Rancho

$8,100

avg tuition/year

$4,250 below national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Des Moines	Rio Rancho	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$6,900/yr	$8,100/yr	-$1,200
Religious Schools	$4,800/yr	$5,700/yr	-$900
Independent/Prep	$14,400/yr	$16,300/yr	-$1,900
Elementary (K-5)	$5,900/yr	$6,900/yr	-$1,000
Middle School (6-8)	$6,900/yr	$8,100/yr	-$1,200
High School (9-12)	$8,300/yr	$9,700/yr	-$1,400

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Des Moines

$89,700

Rio Rancho

$105,300

Choosing Des Moines saves $15,600 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $31,200.

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

Rio Rancho

Corrales International School

International/Independent · K–8 · $8,800-$11,200/yr

Bosque School (Albuquerque area)

Independent · 6–12 · $19,400/yr

Full Des Moines breakdown → Full Rio Rancho breakdown →

Iowa private school costs New Mexico 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.