Is private school cheaper in Des Moines or Seattle?

Des Moines has lower average private school tuition at $6,900/year vs $24,500/year in Seattle. That's $17,600/year less, or $228,800 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Des Moines is $17,600/year less than Seattle. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $228,800 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $4,800/year in Des Moines, $13,200/year in Seattle.

How do Des Moines and Seattle 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). Seattle averages $24,500/year ($12,150 above average).

Private School Cost: Des Moines vs Seattle

Des Moines averages $17,600/year less for private school (255% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $228,800 per child.

Bottom Line

Des Moines is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,900/year vs $24,500/year in Seattle. Religious schools run $4,800/year on the low end.

Des Moines

$6,900

avg tuition/year

$5,450 below national avg

Lower cost

Seattle

$24,500

avg tuition/year

$12,150 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Des Moines	Seattle	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$6,900/yr	$24,500/yr	-$17,600
Religious Schools	$4,800/yr	$13,200/yr	-$8,400
Independent/Prep	$14,400/yr	$38,000/yr	-$23,600
Elementary (K-5)	$5,900/yr	$20,000/yr	-$14,100
Middle School (6-8)	$6,900/yr	$24,500/yr	-$17,600
High School (9-12)	$8,300/yr	$30,500/yr	-$22,200

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Des Moines

$89,700

Seattle

$318,500

Choosing Des Moines saves $228,800 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $457,600.

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

Seattle

University Prep

Independent · 6–12 · $42,800/yr

Northwest School

Independent · 6–12 · $39,400/yr

Seattle Prep

Catholic · 9–12 · $21,200/yr

O'Dea High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $17,800/yr

Full Des Moines breakdown → Full Seattle breakdown →

Iowa private school costs Washington 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.