Private School Cost: Seattle vs Tacoma
Tacoma averages $10,800/year less for private school (79% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $140,400 per child.
Bottom Line
Tacoma is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $13,700/year vs $24,500/year in Seattle. Religious schools run $9,400/year on the low end.
Seattle
WA
$24,500
avg tuition/year
Tacoma
WA
$13,700
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Seattle | Tacoma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $24,500/yr | $13,700/yr | +$10,800 |
| Religious Schools | $13,200/yr | $9,400/yr | +$3,800 |
| Independent/Prep | $38,000/yr | $29,400/yr | +$8,600 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $20,000/yr | $11,600/yr | +$8,400 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $24,500/yr | $13,700/yr | +$10,800 |
| High School (9-12) | $30,500/yr | $16,400/yr | +$14,100 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Seattle
$318,500
Tacoma
$178,100
Choosing Tacoma saves $140,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $280,800.
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
Tacoma
Charles Wright Academy
Independent · PK–12 · $28,400/yr
Bellarmine Preparatory School
Catholic · 9–12 · $18,400/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.