Is private school cheaper in Lowell or New York City?

Lowell has lower average private school tuition at $23,600/year vs $38,500/year in New York City. That's $14,900/year less, or $193,700 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Lowell over New York City?

Average tuition in Lowell is $14,900/year less than New York City. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $193,700 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $12,800/year in Lowell, $17,500/year in New York City.

How do Lowell and New York City private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Lowell averages $23,600/year ($11,250 above average). New York City averages $38,500/year ($26,150 above average).

Private School Cost: Lowell vs New York City

Lowell averages $14,900/year less for private school (63% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $193,700 per child.

Bottom Line

Lowell is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $23,600/year vs $38,500/year in New York City. Religious schools run $12,800/year on the low end.

Lowell

$23,600

avg tuition/year

$11,250 above national avg

Lower cost

New York City

$38,500

avg tuition/year

$26,150 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Lowell	New York City	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$23,600/yr	$38,500/yr	-$14,900
Religious Schools	$12,800/yr	$17,500/yr	-$4,700
Independent/Prep	$48,100/yr	$58,000/yr	-$9,900
Elementary (K-5)	$20,100/yr	$32,000/yr	-$11,900
Middle School (6-8)	$23,600/yr	$38,500/yr	-$14,900
High School (9-12)	$28,300/yr	$48,000/yr	-$19,700

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Lowell

$306,800

New York City

$500,500

Choosing Lowell saves $193,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $387,400.

Sample Schools

Lowell

Lowell Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/yr

St. Michael Academy (Lowell)

Catholic · K–8 · $10,800-$12,800/yr

New York City

Dalton School

Independent · K–12 · $60,310/yr

Trinity School NYC

Independent · K–12 · $59,900/yr

Horace Mann School

Independent · K–12 · $59,200/yr

Regis High School

Catholic (tuition-free) · 9–12

Full Lowell breakdown → Full New York City breakdown →

Massachusetts private school costs New York private school costs

Related Comparisons

New York vs Boston → New York vs Philadelphia → New York vs Chicago → New York vs Houston →

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.