Is private school cheaper in Des Moines or Tampa?

Des Moines has lower average private school tuition at $6,900/year vs $12,500/year in Tampa. That's $5,600/year less, or $72,800 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Des Moines is $5,600/year less than Tampa. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $72,800 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $4,800/year in Des Moines, $8,200/year in Tampa.

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

Private School Cost: Des Moines vs Tampa

Des Moines averages $5,600/year less for private school (81% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $72,800 per child.

Bottom Line

Des Moines is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,900/year vs $12,500/year in Tampa. Religious schools run $4,800/year on the low end.

Des Moines

$6,900

avg tuition/year

$5,450 below national avg

Lower cost

Tampa

$12,500

avg tuition/year

$150 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Des Moines	Tampa	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$6,900/yr	$12,500/yr	-$5,600
Religious Schools	$4,800/yr	$8,200/yr	-$3,400
Independent/Prep	$14,400/yr	$23,500/yr	-$9,100
Elementary (K-5)	$5,900/yr	$10,200/yr	-$4,300
Middle School (6-8)	$6,900/yr	$12,500/yr	-$5,600
High School (9-12)	$8,300/yr	$15,500/yr	-$7,200

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Des Moines

$89,700

Tampa

$162,500

Choosing Des Moines saves $72,800 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $145,600.

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

Tampa

Academy at the Lakes

Independent · PK–12 · $23,800-$26,200/yr

Jesuit High School (Tampa)

Catholic · 9–12 · $16,800/yr

Berkeley Preparatory School

Independent · PK–12 · $27,200-$29,800/yr

Tampa Prep

Independent · 6–12 · $22,400-$24,200/yr

Full Des Moines breakdown → Full Tampa breakdown →

Iowa private school costs Florida private school costs

Related Comparisons

Miami vs Tampa → Tampa vs Orlando →

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.