Private School Cost: McAllen vs Miami Gardens
McAllen averages $500/year less for private school (5% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $6,500 per child.
Bottom Line
McAllen is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $9,400/year vs $9,900/year in Miami Gardens. Religious schools run $6,400/year on the low end.
McAllen
TX
$9,400
avg tuition/year
Miami Gardens
FL
$9,900
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | McAllen | Miami Gardens | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $9,400/yr | $9,900/yr | -$500 |
| Religious Schools | $6,400/yr | $6,800/yr | -$400 |
| Independent/Prep | $19,800/yr | $20,400/yr | -$600 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $8,000/yr | $8,400/yr | -$400 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $9,400/yr | $9,900/yr | -$500 |
| High School (9-12) | $11,300/yr | $11,900/yr | -$600 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
McAllen
$122,200
Miami Gardens
$128,700
Choosing McAllen saves $6,500 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $13,000.
Sample Schools
McAllen
McAllen Christian Academy
Christian · K–12 · $8,200-$10,200/yr
St. Joseph Academy (McAllen)
Catholic · K–12 · $7,400-$9,200/yr
Miami Gardens
North Miami Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr
St. Monica School (Miami Gardens)
Catholic · K–8 · $8,200-$10,200/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.