Private School Cost: New Orleans vs Tacoma
New Orleans averages $1,900/year less for private school (16% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $24,700 per child.
Bottom Line
New Orleans is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $11,800/year vs $13,700/year in Tacoma. Religious schools run $7,600/year on the low end.
New Orleans
LA
$11,800
avg tuition/year
Tacoma
WA
$13,700
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | New Orleans | Tacoma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $11,800/yr | $13,700/yr | -$1,900 |
| Religious Schools | $7,600/yr | $9,400/yr | -$1,800 |
| Independent/Prep | $22,000/yr | $29,400/yr | -$7,400 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $9,600/yr | $11,600/yr | -$2,000 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $11,800/yr | $13,700/yr | -$1,900 |
| High School (9-12) | $14,600/yr | $16,400/yr | -$1,800 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
New Orleans
$153,400
Tacoma
$178,100
Choosing New Orleans saves $24,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $49,400.
Sample Schools
New Orleans
Tulane-affiliated University Schools
Independent · PK–12 · $21,400-$23,800/yr
Jesuit High School New Orleans
Catholic · 9–12 · $15,400/yr
Ursuline Academy (New Orleans)
Catholic · 6–12 · $13,200/yr
Brother Martin High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $12,800/yr
Tacoma
Charles Wright Academy
Independent · PK–12 · $28,400/yr
Bellarmine Preparatory School
Catholic · 9–12 · $18,400/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.