Is private school cheaper in Independence or Tampa?

Independence has lower average private school tuition at $8,100/year vs $12,500/year in Tampa. That's $4,400/year less, or $57,200 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Independence is $4,400/year less than Tampa. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $57,200 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $5,700/year in Independence, $8,200/year in Tampa.

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

Private School Cost: Independence vs Tampa

Independence averages $4,400/year less for private school (54% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $57,200 per child.

Bottom Line

Independence is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,100/year vs $12,500/year in Tampa. Religious schools run $5,700/year on the low end.

Independence

$8,100

avg tuition/year

$4,250 below national avg

Lower cost

Tampa

$12,500

avg tuition/year

$150 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Independence	Tampa	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$8,100/yr	$12,500/yr	-$4,400
Religious Schools	$5,700/yr	$8,200/yr	-$2,500
Independent/Prep	$18,900/yr	$23,500/yr	-$4,600
Elementary (K-5)	$6,900/yr	$10,200/yr	-$3,300
Middle School (6-8)	$8,100/yr	$12,500/yr	-$4,400
High School (9-12)	$9,700/yr	$15,500/yr	-$5,800

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Independence

$105,300

Tampa

$162,500

Choosing Independence saves $57,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $114,400.

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

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 Independence breakdown → Full Tampa breakdown →

Missouri 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.