Is private school cheaper in Elgin or Tampa?

Elgin has lower average private school tuition at $11,700/year vs $12,500/year in Tampa. That's $800/year less, or $10,400 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Elgin is $800/year less than Tampa. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $10,400 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $7,400/year in Elgin, $8,200/year in Tampa.

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

Private School Cost: Elgin vs Tampa

Elgin averages $800/year less for private school (7% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $10,400 per child.

Bottom Line

Elgin is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $11,700/year vs $12,500/year in Tampa. Religious schools run $7,400/year on the low end.

Elgin

$11,700

avg tuition/year

$650 below national avg

Lower cost

Tampa

$12,500

avg tuition/year

$150 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Elgin	Tampa	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$11,700/yr	$12,500/yr	-$800
Religious Schools	$7,400/yr	$8,200/yr	-$800
Independent/Prep	$27,100/yr	$23,500/yr	+$3,600
Elementary (K-5)	$9,900/yr	$10,200/yr	-$300
Middle School (6-8)	$11,700/yr	$12,500/yr	-$800
High School (9-12)	$14,000/yr	$15,500/yr	-$1,500

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Elgin

$152,100

Tampa

$162,500

Choosing Elgin saves $10,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $20,800.

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

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 Elgin breakdown → Full Tampa breakdown →

Illinois 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.