Private School Cost: Philadelphia vs Providence
Philadelphia averages $1,800/year less for private school (9% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $23,400 per child.
Bottom Line
Philadelphia is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $20,200/year vs $22,000/year in Providence. Religious schools run $11,400/year on the low end.
Philadelphia
PA
$20,200
avg tuition/year
Providence
RI
$22,000
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Philadelphia | Providence | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $20,200/yr | $22,000/yr | -$1,800 |
| Religious Schools | $11,400/yr | $12,400/yr | -$1,000 |
| Independent/Prep | $36,000/yr | $36,000/yr | Same |
| Elementary (K-5) | $16,500/yr | $18,000/yr | -$1,500 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $20,200/yr | $22,000/yr | -$1,800 |
| High School (9-12) | $25,000/yr | $27,500/yr | -$2,500 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Philadelphia
$262,600
Providence
$286,000
Choosing Philadelphia saves $23,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $46,800.
Sample Schools
Philadelphia
Episcopal Academy
Independent · PK–12 · $40,800-$43,200/yr
The Haverford School
Independent · PK–12 · $41,200/yr
Germantown Friends School
Independent (Quaker) · K–12 · $38,600/yr
La Salle College High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $19,200/yr
Providence
Moses Brown School
Independent (Quaker) · PK–12 · $40,800-$43,200/yr
Wheeler School
Independent · PK–12 · $38,200-$40,800/yr
Providence Country Day School
Independent · 6–12 · $34,800/yr
La Salle Academy (Providence)
Catholic · 9–12 · $14,200/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.