Private School Cost: Honolulu vs Philadelphia
Both cities average about the same for private school tuition.
Bottom Line
Both cities average around $20,200/year for private school. The difference shows up in school type: religious schools are much cheaper than independent prep.
Honolulu
HI
$20,200
avg tuition/year
Philadelphia
PA
$20,200
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Honolulu | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $20,200/yr | $20,200/yr | Same |
| Religious Schools | $12,900/yr | $11,400/yr | +$1,500 |
| Independent/Prep | $37,600/yr | $36,000/yr | +$1,600 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $17,200/yr | $16,500/yr | +$700 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $20,200/yr | $20,200/yr | Same |
| High School (9-12) | $24,200/yr | $25,000/yr | -$800 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Honolulu
$262,600
Philadelphia
$262,600
Sample Schools
Honolulu
Punahou School
Independent · K–12 · $27,400/yr
Iolani School
Independent (Episcopal) · K–12 · $24,800/yr
Saint Louis School (Honolulu)
Catholic · 9–12 · $13,800/yr
Philadelphia
Episcopal Academy
Independent · PK–12 · $40,800-$43,200/yr
The Haverford School
Independent · PK–12 · $41,200/yr
Germantown Friends School
Independent (Quaker) · K–12 · $38,600/yr
La Salle College High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $19,200/yr
Related Comparisons
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.