Is private school cheaper in Elk Grove or Tacoma?

Tacoma has lower average private school tuition at $13,700/year vs $16,500/year in Elk Grove. That's $2,800/year less, or $36,400 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Tacoma over Elk Grove?

Average tuition in Tacoma is $2,800/year less than Elk Grove. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $36,400 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $10,700/year in Elk Grove, $9,400/year in Tacoma.

How do Elk Grove and Tacoma private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Elk Grove averages $16,500/year ($4,150 above average). Tacoma averages $13,700/year ($1,350 above average).

Private School Cost: Elk Grove vs Tacoma

Tacoma averages $2,800/year less for private school (20% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $36,400 per child.

Bottom Line

Tacoma is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $13,700/year vs $16,500/year in Elk Grove. Religious schools run $9,400/year on the low end.

Elk Grove

$16,500

avg tuition/year

$4,150 above national avg

Tacoma

$13,700

avg tuition/year

$1,350 above national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Elk Grove	Tacoma	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$16,500/yr	$13,700/yr	+$2,800
Religious Schools	$10,700/yr	$9,400/yr	+$1,300
Independent/Prep	$32,000/yr	$29,400/yr	+$2,600
Elementary (K-5)	$14,000/yr	$11,600/yr	+$2,400
Middle School (6-8)	$16,500/yr	$13,700/yr	+$2,800
High School (9-12)	$19,800/yr	$16,400/yr	+$3,400

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Elk Grove

$214,500

Tacoma

$178,100

Choosing Tacoma saves $36,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $72,800.

Sample Schools

Elk Grove

Laguna Creek Christian School

Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr

Father Keith B. Kenny School

Catholic · K–8 · $8,400-$10,200/yr

Tacoma

Charles Wright Academy

Independent · PK–12 · $28,400/yr

Bellarmine Preparatory School

Catholic · 9–12 · $18,400/yr

Full Elk Grove breakdown → Full Tacoma breakdown →

California private school costs Washington 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.