Private School Cost: Seattle vs Spokane
Spokane averages $11,700/year less for private school (91% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $152,100 per child.
Bottom Line
Spokane is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $12,800/year vs $24,500/year in Seattle. Religious schools run $8,700/year on the low end.
Seattle
WA
$24,500
avg tuition/year
Spokane
WA
$12,800
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Seattle | Spokane | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $24,500/yr | $12,800/yr | +$11,700 |
| Religious Schools | $13,200/yr | $8,700/yr | +$4,500 |
| Independent/Prep | $38,000/yr | $27,400/yr | +$10,600 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $20,000/yr | $10,900/yr | +$9,100 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $24,500/yr | $12,800/yr | +$11,700 |
| High School (9-12) | $30,500/yr | $15,400/yr | +$15,100 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Seattle
$318,500
Spokane
$166,400
Choosing Spokane saves $152,100 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $304,200.
Sample Schools
Seattle
University Prep
Independent · 6–12 · $42,800/yr
Northwest School
Independent · 6–12 · $39,400/yr
Seattle Prep
Catholic · 9–12 · $21,200/yr
O'Dea High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $17,800/yr
Spokane
Gonzaga Preparatory School
Catholic · 9–12 · $13,400/yr
Spokane Christian Academy
Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr
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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.