Is private school cheaper in Des Moines or Tucson?

Des Moines has lower average private school tuition at $6,900/year vs $10,800/year in Tucson. That's $3,900/year less, or $50,700 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Des Moines is $3,900/year less than Tucson. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $50,700 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $4,800/year in Des Moines, $7,200/year in Tucson.

How do Des Moines and Tucson 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). Tucson averages $10,800/year ($1,550 below average).

Private School Cost: Des Moines vs Tucson

Des Moines averages $3,900/year less for private school (57% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $50,700 per child.

Bottom Line

Des Moines is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,900/year vs $10,800/year in Tucson. Religious schools run $4,800/year on the low end.

Des Moines

$6,900

avg tuition/year

$5,450 below national avg

Lower cost

Tucson

$10,800

avg tuition/year

$1,550 below national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Des Moines	Tucson	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$6,900/yr	$10,800/yr	-$3,900
Religious Schools	$4,800/yr	$7,200/yr	-$2,400
Independent/Prep	$14,400/yr	$20,500/yr	-$6,100
Elementary (K-5)	$5,900/yr	$8,800/yr	-$2,900
Middle School (6-8)	$6,900/yr	$10,800/yr	-$3,900
High School (9-12)	$8,300/yr	$13,400/yr	-$5,100

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Des Moines

$89,700

Tucson

$140,400

Choosing Des Moines saves $50,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $101,400.

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

Tucson

Basis Tucson North

Charter (Free) · 5–12

Salpointe Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/yr

Pusch Ridge Christian Academy

Christian · K–12 · $10,200-$11,800/yr

Tanque Verde School

Public District · K–12

Full Des Moines breakdown → Full Tucson breakdown →

Iowa private school costs Arizona 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.