Private School Cost: Indianapolis vs Los Angeles
Indianapolis averages $14,800/year less for private school (123% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $192,400 per child.
Bottom Line
Indianapolis is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $12,000/year vs $26,800/year in Los Angeles. Religious schools run $7,800/year on the low end.
Indianapolis
IN
$12,000
avg tuition/year
Los Angeles
CA
$26,800
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Indianapolis | Los Angeles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $12,000/yr | $26,800/yr | -$14,800 |
| Religious Schools | $7,800/yr | $13,500/yr | -$5,700 |
| Independent/Prep | $22,500/yr | $42,000/yr | -$19,500 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $9,800/yr | $22,000/yr | -$12,200 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $12,000/yr | $26,800/yr | -$14,800 |
| High School (9-12) | $14,800/yr | $32,000/yr | -$17,200 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Indianapolis
$156,000
Los Angeles
$348,400
Choosing Indianapolis saves $192,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $384,800.
Sample Schools
Indianapolis
Park Tudor School
Independent · PK–12 · $24,200-$26,800/yr
Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School
Catholic · 9–12 · $17,800/yr
Bishop Chatard High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $13,200/yr
Cathedral High School (Indianapolis)
Catholic · 9–12 · $14,800/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
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.