Is private school cheaper in Elgin or Phoenix?

Elgin has lower average private school tuition at $11,700/year vs $13,400/year in Phoenix. That's $1,700/year less, or $22,100 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Elgin over Phoenix?

Average tuition in Elgin is $1,700/year less than Phoenix. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $22,100 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $7,400/year in Elgin, $8,600/year in Phoenix.

How do Elgin and Phoenix private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Elgin averages $11,700/year ($650 below average). Phoenix averages $13,400/year ($1,050 above average).

Private School Cost: Elgin vs Phoenix

Elgin averages $1,700/year less for private school (15% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $22,100 per child.

Bottom Line

Elgin is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $11,700/year vs $13,400/year in Phoenix. Religious schools run $7,400/year on the low end.

Elgin

$11,700

avg tuition/year

$650 below national avg

Lower cost

Phoenix

$13,400

avg tuition/year

$1,050 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Elgin	Phoenix	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$11,700/yr	$13,400/yr	-$1,700
Religious Schools	$7,400/yr	$8,600/yr	-$1,200
Independent/Prep	$27,100/yr	$24,500/yr	+$2,600
Elementary (K-5)	$9,900/yr	$11,000/yr	-$1,100
Middle School (6-8)	$11,700/yr	$13,400/yr	-$1,700
High School (9-12)	$14,000/yr	$16,500/yr	-$2,500

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Elgin

$152,100

Phoenix

$174,200

Choosing Elgin saves $22,100 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $44,200.

Sample Schools

Elgin

Timothy Christian Schools (Elgin)

Christian · K–12 · $11,200-$13,800/yr

St. Edward Central Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/yr

Phoenix

Brophy College Preparatory

Catholic · 9–12 · $17,800/yr

Xavier College Preparatory

Catholic · 9–12 · $17,400/yr

Scottsdale Preparatory Academy

Independent · 6–12 · $12,800-$14,200/yr

Notre Dame Preparatory High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $16,200/yr

Full Elgin breakdown → Full Phoenix breakdown →

Illinois private school costs Arizona private school costs

Related Comparisons

Denver vs Phoenix → San Francisco vs Phoenix → Boston vs Phoenix → Los Angeles vs Phoenix →

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.