Private School Cost: Meridian vs Phoenix
Meridian averages $5,600/year less for private school (72% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $72,800 per child.
Bottom Line
Meridian is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $7,800/year vs $13,400/year in Phoenix. Religious schools run $5,300/year on the low end.
Meridian
ID
$7,800
avg tuition/year
Phoenix
AZ
$13,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Meridian | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $7,800/yr | $13,400/yr | -$5,600 |
| Religious Schools | $5,300/yr | $8,600/yr | -$3,300 |
| Independent/Prep | $15,100/yr | $24,500/yr | -$9,400 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $6,600/yr | $11,000/yr | -$4,400 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $7,800/yr | $13,400/yr | -$5,600 |
| High School (9-12) | $9,400/yr | $16,500/yr | -$7,100 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Meridian
$101,400
Phoenix
$174,200
Choosing Meridian saves $72,800 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $145,600.
Sample Schools
Meridian
Nampa Christian Schools
Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr
Victory Charter School (Meridian)
Independent · K–12 · $8,400-$10,400/yr
Phoenix
Brophy College Preparatory
Catholic · 9–12 · $17,800/yr
Xavier College Preparatory
Catholic · 9–12 · $17,400/yr
Scottsdale Preparatory Academy
Independent · 6–12 · $12,800-$14,200/yr
Notre Dame Preparatory High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $16,200/yr
Related Comparisons
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.