Private School Cost: Memphis vs Spokane
Memphis averages $2,000/year less for private school (19% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $26,000 per child.
Bottom Line
Memphis is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $10,800/year vs $12,800/year in Spokane. Religious schools run $7,200/year on the low end.
Memphis
TN
$10,800
avg tuition/year
Spokane
WA
$12,800
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Memphis | Spokane | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $10,800/yr | $12,800/yr | -$2,000 |
| Religious Schools | $7,200/yr | $8,700/yr | -$1,500 |
| Independent/Prep | $20,500/yr | $27,400/yr | -$6,900 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $8,800/yr | $10,900/yr | -$2,100 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $10,800/yr | $12,800/yr | -$2,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $13,400/yr | $15,400/yr | -$2,000 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Memphis
$140,400
Spokane
$166,400
Choosing Memphis saves $26,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $52,000.
Sample Schools
Memphis
Hutchison School
Independent · PK–12 · $20,800-$22,400/yr
Memphis University School
Independent · 7–12 · $18,400/yr
Christian Brothers High School (Memphis)
Catholic · 9–12 · $13,800/yr
St. Agnes Academy (Memphis)
Catholic · 9–12 · $12,200/yr
Spokane
Gonzaga Preparatory School
Catholic · 9–12 · $13,400/yr
Spokane Christian Academy
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.