Is private school cheaper in McAllen or Tucson?

McAllen has lower average private school tuition at $9,400/year vs $10,800/year in Tucson. That's $1,400/year less, or $18,200 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing McAllen over Tucson?

Average tuition in McAllen is $1,400/year less than Tucson. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $18,200 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $6,400/year in McAllen, $7,200/year in Tucson.

How do McAllen and Tucson private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. McAllen averages $9,400/year ($2,950 below average). Tucson averages $10,800/year ($1,550 below average).

Private School Cost: McAllen vs Tucson

McAllen averages $1,400/year less for private school (15% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $18,200 per child.

Bottom Line

McAllen is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $9,400/year vs $10,800/year in Tucson. Religious schools run $6,400/year on the low end.

McAllen

$9,400

avg tuition/year

$2,950 below national avg

Lower cost

Tucson

$10,800

avg tuition/year

$1,550 below national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	McAllen	Tucson	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$9,400/yr	$10,800/yr	-$1,400
Religious Schools	$6,400/yr	$7,200/yr	-$800
Independent/Prep	$19,800/yr	$20,500/yr	-$700
Elementary (K-5)	$8,000/yr	$8,800/yr	-$800
Middle School (6-8)	$9,400/yr	$10,800/yr	-$1,400
High School (9-12)	$11,300/yr	$13,400/yr	-$2,100

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

McAllen

$122,200

Tucson

$140,400

Choosing McAllen saves $18,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $36,400.

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

Tucson

Basis Tucson North

Charter (Free) · 5–12

Salpointe Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/yr

Pusch Ridge Christian Academy

Christian · K–12 · $10,200-$11,800/yr

Tanque Verde School

Public District · K–12

Full McAllen breakdown → Full Tucson breakdown →

Texas private school costs Arizona private school costs

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.