Private School Cost: Nashville vs Tacoma
Tacoma averages $500/year less for private school (4% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $6,500 per child.
Bottom Line
Tacoma is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $13,700/year vs $14,200/year in Nashville. Religious schools run $8,800/year on the low end.
Nashville
TN
$14,200
avg tuition/year
Tacoma
WA
$13,700
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Nashville | Tacoma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $14,200/yr | $13,700/yr | +$500 |
| Religious Schools | $8,800/yr | $9,400/yr | -$600 |
| Independent/Prep | $26,500/yr | $29,400/yr | -$2,900 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $11,600/yr | $11,600/yr | Same |
| Middle School (6-8) | $14,200/yr | $13,700/yr | +$500 |
| High School (9-12) | $17,500/yr | $16,400/yr | +$1,100 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Nashville
$184,600
Tacoma
$178,100
Choosing Tacoma saves $6,500 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $13,000.
Sample Schools
Nashville
Montgomery Bell Academy
Independent · 7–12 · $29,400/yr
Harpeth Hall School
Independent · 5–12 · $28,800/yr
University School of Nashville
Independent · K–12 · $26,200/yr
Father Ryan High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $16,800/yr
Tacoma
Charles Wright Academy
Independent · PK–12 · $28,400/yr
Bellarmine Preparatory School
Catholic · 9–12 · $18,400/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.