Private School Cost: Kansas City vs Riverside
Kansas City averages $2,100/year less for private school (16% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $27,300 per child.
Bottom Line
Kansas City is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $12,800/year vs $14,900/year in Riverside. Religious schools run $8,200/year on the low end.
Kansas City
MO
$12,800
avg tuition/year
Riverside
CA
$14,900
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Kansas City | Riverside | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $12,800/yr | $14,900/yr | -$2,100 |
| Religious Schools | $8,200/yr | $9,700/yr | -$1,500 |
| Independent/Prep | $24,000/yr | $29,000/yr | -$5,000 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $10,400/yr | $12,700/yr | -$2,300 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $12,800/yr | $14,900/yr | -$2,100 |
| High School (9-12) | $15,800/yr | $17,900/yr | -$2,100 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Kansas City
$166,400
Riverside
$193,700
Choosing Kansas City saves $27,300 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $54,600.
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
Riverside
Notre Dame High School (Riverside)
Catholic · 9–12 · $17,800/yr
Riverside Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/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.