Private School Cost: McAllen vs Orlando
McAllen averages $1,600/year less for private school (17% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $20,800 per child.
Bottom Line
McAllen is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $9,400/year vs $11,000/year in Orlando. Religious schools run $6,400/year on the low end.
McAllen
TX
$9,400
avg tuition/year
Orlando
FL
$11,000
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | McAllen | Orlando | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $9,400/yr | $11,000/yr | -$1,600 |
| Religious Schools | $6,400/yr | $7,600/yr | -$1,200 |
| Independent/Prep | $19,800/yr | $22,600/yr | -$2,800 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $8,000/yr | $9,400/yr | -$1,400 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $9,400/yr | $11,000/yr | -$1,600 |
| High School (9-12) | $11,300/yr | $13,200/yr | -$1,900 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
McAllen
$122,200
Orlando
$143,000
Choosing McAllen saves $20,800 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $41,600.
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
Orlando
The First Academy (Orlando)
Christian · PK–12 · $16,800/yr
Lake Highland Preparatory School
Independent · PK–12 · $23,400/yr
Bishop Moore Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $14,200/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.