Is private school cheaper in Independence or Phoenix?

Independence has lower average private school tuition at $8,100/year vs $13,400/year in Phoenix. That's $5,300/year less, or $68,900 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Independence is $5,300/year less than Phoenix. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $68,900 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $5,700/year in Independence, $8,600/year in Phoenix.

How do Independence and Phoenix 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). Phoenix averages $13,400/year ($1,050 above average).

Private School Cost: Independence vs Phoenix

Independence averages $5,300/year less for private school (65% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $68,900 per child.

Bottom Line

Independence is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,100/year vs $13,400/year in Phoenix. Religious schools run $5,700/year on the low end.

Independence

$8,100

avg tuition/year

$4,250 below national avg

Lower cost

Phoenix

$13,400

avg tuition/year

$1,050 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Independence	Phoenix	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$8,100/yr	$13,400/yr	-$5,300
Religious Schools	$5,700/yr	$8,600/yr	-$2,900
Independent/Prep	$18,900/yr	$24,500/yr	-$5,600
Elementary (K-5)	$6,900/yr	$11,000/yr	-$4,100
Middle School (6-8)	$8,100/yr	$13,400/yr	-$5,300
High School (9-12)	$9,700/yr	$16,500/yr	-$6,800

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Independence

$105,300

Phoenix

$174,200

Choosing Independence saves $68,900 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $137,800.

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

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 Independence breakdown → Full Phoenix breakdown →

Missouri 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.