Is private school cheaper in Des Moines or Yonkers?

Des Moines has lower average private school tuition at $6,900/year vs $25,800/year in Yonkers. That's $18,900/year less, or $245,700 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Des Moines is $18,900/year less than Yonkers. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $245,700 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $4,800/year in Des Moines, $14,700/year in Yonkers.

How do Des Moines and Yonkers 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). Yonkers averages $25,800/year ($13,450 above average).

Private School Cost: Des Moines vs Yonkers

Des Moines averages $18,900/year less for private school (274% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $245,700 per child.

Bottom Line

Des Moines is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,900/year vs $25,800/year in Yonkers. Religious schools run $4,800/year on the low end.

Des Moines

$6,900

avg tuition/year

$5,450 below national avg

Lower cost

Yonkers

$25,800

avg tuition/year

$13,450 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Des Moines	Yonkers	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$6,900/yr	$25,800/yr	-$18,900
Religious Schools	$4,800/yr	$14,700/yr	-$9,900
Independent/Prep	$14,400/yr	$54,800/yr	-$40,400
Elementary (K-5)	$5,900/yr	$21,900/yr	-$16,000
Middle School (6-8)	$6,900/yr	$25,800/yr	-$18,900
High School (9-12)	$8,300/yr	$31,000/yr	-$22,700

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Des Moines

$89,700

Yonkers

$335,400

Choosing Des Moines saves $245,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $491,400.

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

Yonkers

Saunders Trades & Technical High School (Private Prep)

Independent · 9–12 · $22,000/yr

Sacred Heart High School (Yonkers)

Catholic · 9–12 · $14,800/yr

Full Des Moines breakdown → Full Yonkers breakdown →

Iowa private school costs New York 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.