Private School Cost: Kansas City vs Memphis
Memphis averages $2,000/year less for private school (19% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $26,000 per child.
Bottom Line
Memphis is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $10,800/year vs $12,800/year in Kansas City. Religious schools run $7,200/year on the low end.
Kansas City
MO
$12,800
avg tuition/year
Memphis
TN
$10,800
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Kansas City | Memphis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $12,800/yr | $10,800/yr | +$2,000 |
| Religious Schools | $8,200/yr | $7,200/yr | +$1,000 |
| Independent/Prep | $24,000/yr | $20,500/yr | +$3,500 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $10,400/yr | $8,800/yr | +$1,600 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $12,800/yr | $10,800/yr | +$2,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $15,800/yr | $13,400/yr | +$2,400 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Kansas City
$166,400
Memphis
$140,400
Choosing Memphis saves $26,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $52,000.
Sample Schools
Kansas City
Pembroke Hill School
Independent · PK–12 · $24,800-$26,400/yr
Rockhurst High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $16,200/yr
Bishop Miege High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $14,200/yr
St. Teresa's Academy (KC)
Catholic · 9–12 · $13,800/yr
Memphis
Hutchison School
Independent · PK–12 · $20,800-$22,400/yr
Memphis University School
Independent · 7–12 · $18,400/yr
Christian Brothers High School (Memphis)
Catholic · 9–12 · $13,800/yr
St. Agnes Academy (Memphis)
Catholic · 9–12 · $12,200/yr
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.