Is private school cheaper in Phoenix or Topeka?

Topeka has lower average private school tuition at $6,900/year vs $13,400/year in Phoenix. That's $6,500/year less, or $84,500 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Topeka over Phoenix?

Average tuition in Topeka is $6,500/year less than Phoenix. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $84,500 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $8,600/year in Phoenix, $4,800/year in Topeka.

How do Phoenix and Topeka private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Phoenix averages $13,400/year ($1,050 above average). Topeka averages $6,900/year ($5,450 below average).

Private School Cost: Phoenix vs Topeka

Topeka averages $6,500/year less for private school (94% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $84,500 per child.

Bottom Line

Topeka is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,900/year vs $13,400/year in Phoenix. Religious schools run $4,800/year on the low end.

Phoenix

$13,400

avg tuition/year

$1,050 above national avg

Topeka

$6,900

avg tuition/year

$5,450 below national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Phoenix	Topeka	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$13,400/yr	$6,900/yr	+$6,500
Religious Schools	$8,600/yr	$4,800/yr	+$3,800
Independent/Prep	$24,500/yr	$14,300/yr	+$10,200
Elementary (K-5)	$11,000/yr	$5,900/yr	+$5,100
Middle School (6-8)	$13,400/yr	$6,900/yr	+$6,500
High School (9-12)	$16,500/yr	$8,300/yr	+$8,200

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Phoenix

$174,200

Topeka

$89,700

Choosing Topeka saves $84,500 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $169,000.

Sample Schools

Phoenix

Brophy College Preparatory

Catholic · 9–12 · $17,800/yr

Xavier College Preparatory

Catholic · 9–12 · $17,400/yr

Scottsdale Preparatory Academy

Independent · 6–12 · $12,800-$14,200/yr

Notre Dame Preparatory High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $16,200/yr

Topeka

Topeka Collegiate School

Independent · K–8 · $12,400/yr

Hayden Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $9,400/yr

Full Phoenix breakdown → Full Topeka breakdown →

Arizona private school costs Kansas private school costs

Related Comparisons

Denver vs Phoenix → San Francisco vs Phoenix → Boston vs Phoenix → Los Angeles vs Phoenix →

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.