Private School Cost: Seattle vs Tucson
Tucson averages $13,700/year less for private school (127% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $178,100 per child.
Bottom Line
Tucson is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $10,800/year vs $24,500/year in Seattle. Religious schools run $7,200/year on the low end.
Seattle
WA
$24,500
avg tuition/year
Tucson
AZ
$10,800
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Seattle | Tucson | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $24,500/yr | $10,800/yr | +$13,700 |
| Religious Schools | $13,200/yr | $7,200/yr | +$6,000 |
| Independent/Prep | $38,000/yr | $20,500/yr | +$17,500 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $20,000/yr | $8,800/yr | +$11,200 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $24,500/yr | $10,800/yr | +$13,700 |
| High School (9-12) | $30,500/yr | $13,400/yr | +$17,100 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Seattle
$318,500
Tucson
$140,400
Choosing Tucson saves $178,100 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $356,200.
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
Tucson
Basis Tucson North
Charter (Free) · 5–12
Salpointe Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/yr
Pusch Ridge Christian Academy
Christian · K–12 · $10,200-$11,800/yr
Tanque Verde School
Public District · K–12
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.