Private School Cost: Miami vs Tucson
Tucson averages $7,800/year less for private school (72% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $101,400 per child.
Bottom Line
Tucson is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $10,800/year vs $18,600/year in Miami. Religious schools run $7,200/year on the low end.
Miami
FL
$18,600
avg tuition/year
Tucson
AZ
$10,800
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Miami | Tucson | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $18,600/yr | $10,800/yr | +$7,800 |
| Religious Schools | $10,800/yr | $7,200/yr | +$3,600 |
| Independent/Prep | $34,000/yr | $20,500/yr | +$13,500 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $15,500/yr | $8,800/yr | +$6,700 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $18,600/yr | $10,800/yr | +$7,800 |
| High School (9-12) | $23,200/yr | $13,400/yr | +$9,800 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Miami
$241,800
Tucson
$140,400
Choosing Tucson saves $101,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $202,800.
Sample Schools
Miami
Ransom Everglades School
Independent · 6–12 · $42,800-$45,200/yr
Palmer Trinity School
Independent · 6–12 · $38,600/yr
Christopher Columbus High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $16,200/yr
Belen Jesuit Preparatory School
Catholic · 6–12 · $15,900/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
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.