Private School Cost: Palm Bay vs St. Louis
Palm Bay averages $3,600/year less for private school (38% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $46,800 per child.
Bottom Line
Palm Bay is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $9,400/year vs $13,000/year in St. Louis. Religious schools run $6,500/year on the low end.
Palm Bay
FL
$9,400
avg tuition/year
St. Louis
MO
$13,000
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Palm Bay | St. Louis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $9,400/yr | $13,000/yr | -$3,600 |
| Religious Schools | $6,500/yr | $8,400/yr | -$1,900 |
| Independent/Prep | $19,400/yr | $24,500/yr | -$5,100 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $8,000/yr | $10,600/yr | -$2,600 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $9,400/yr | $13,000/yr | -$3,600 |
| High School (9-12) | $11,300/yr | $16,000/yr | -$4,700 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Palm Bay
$122,200
St. Louis
$169,000
Choosing Palm Bay saves $46,800 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $93,600.
Sample Schools
Palm Bay
Our Lady of Grace Academy (Palm Bay)
Christian · K–12 · $8,400-$10,400/yr
Brevard Academy
Independent · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr
St. Louis
John Burroughs School
Independent · 7–12 · $28,400-$30,800/yr
MICDS (Mary Institute and Country Day School)
Independent · JK–12 · $30,200-$32,800/yr
Chaminade College Preparatory
Catholic · 6–12 · $16,800/yr
St. Louis University High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $17,400/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.