Private School Cost: Seattle vs Tampa
Tampa averages $12,000/year less for private school (96% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $156,000 per child.
Bottom Line
Tampa is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $12,500/year vs $24,500/year in Seattle. Religious schools run $8,200/year on the low end.
Seattle
WA
$24,500
avg tuition/year
Tampa
FL
$12,500
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Seattle | Tampa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $24,500/yr | $12,500/yr | +$12,000 |
| Religious Schools | $13,200/yr | $8,200/yr | +$5,000 |
| Independent/Prep | $38,000/yr | $23,500/yr | +$14,500 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $20,000/yr | $10,200/yr | +$9,800 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $24,500/yr | $12,500/yr | +$12,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $30,500/yr | $15,500/yr | +$15,000 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Seattle
$318,500
Tampa
$162,500
Choosing Tampa saves $156,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $312,000.
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
Tampa
Academy at the Lakes
Independent · PK–12 · $23,800-$26,200/yr
Jesuit High School (Tampa)
Catholic · 9–12 · $16,800/yr
Berkeley Preparatory School
Independent · PK–12 · $27,200-$29,800/yr
Tampa Prep
Independent · 6–12 · $22,400-$24,200/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.