Is private school cheaper in Independence or Los Angeles?

Independence has lower average private school tuition at $8,100/year vs $26,800/year in Los Angeles. That's $18,700/year less, or $243,100 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Independence over Los Angeles?

Average tuition in Independence is $18,700/year less than Los Angeles. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $243,100 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $5,700/year in Independence, $13,500/year in Los Angeles.

How do Independence and Los Angeles private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Independence averages $8,100/year ($4,250 below average). Los Angeles averages $26,800/year ($14,450 above average).

Private School Cost: Independence vs Los Angeles

Independence averages $18,700/year less for private school (231% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $243,100 per child.

Bottom Line

Independence is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,100/year vs $26,800/year in Los Angeles. Religious schools run $5,700/year on the low end.

Independence

$8,100

avg tuition/year

$4,250 below national avg

Lower cost

Los Angeles

$26,800

avg tuition/year

$14,450 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Independence	Los Angeles	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$8,100/yr	$26,800/yr	-$18,700
Religious Schools	$5,700/yr	$13,500/yr	-$7,800
Independent/Prep	$18,900/yr	$42,000/yr	-$23,100
Elementary (K-5)	$6,900/yr	$22,000/yr	-$15,100
Middle School (6-8)	$8,100/yr	$26,800/yr	-$18,700
High School (9-12)	$9,700/yr	$32,000/yr	-$22,300

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Independence

$105,300

Los Angeles

$348,400

Choosing Independence saves $243,100 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $486,200.

Sample Schools

Independence

Van Horn Academy (Independence MO)

Independent · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr

Truman Academy

Independent · K–12 · $8,400-$10,400/yr

Los Angeles

Harvard-Westlake School

Independent · 7–12 · $47,890/yr

Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences

Independent · K–12 · $44,370/yr

Marlborough School

Independent · 7–12 · $44,800/yr

St. Monica Catholic School

Catholic · K–8 · $9,200-$11,400/yr

Full Independence breakdown → Full Los Angeles breakdown →

Missouri private school costs California private school costs

Related Comparisons

Los Angeles vs San Francisco → Los Angeles vs San Diego → Los Angeles vs San Jose → Irvine vs Los Angeles →

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.