Private School Cost: Montgomery vs Wilmington
Montgomery averages $2,600/year less for private school (35% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $33,800 per child.
Bottom Line
Montgomery is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $7,400/year vs $10,000/year in Wilmington. Religious schools run $5,500/year on the low end.
Montgomery
AL
$7,400
avg tuition/year
Wilmington
NC
$10,000
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Montgomery | Wilmington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $7,400/yr | $10,000/yr | -$2,600 |
| Religious Schools | $5,500/yr | $7,100/yr | -$1,600 |
| Independent/Prep | $15,100/yr | $21,100/yr | -$6,000 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $6,300/yr | $8,500/yr | -$2,200 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $7,400/yr | $10,000/yr | -$2,600 |
| High School (9-12) | $8,900/yr | $12,000/yr | -$3,100 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Montgomery
$96,200
Wilmington
$130,000
Choosing Montgomery saves $33,800 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $67,600.
Sample Schools
Montgomery
Montgomery Academy
Independent · K–12 · $14,200/yr
Saint James School (Montgomery)
Christian · PK–12 · $12,800/yr
Wilmington
Cape Fear Academy
Independent · PK–12 · $16,400/yr
Wilmington Christian Academy
Christian · K–12 · $9,400-$11,800/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.