Is private school cheaper in Seattle or West Palm Beach?

West Palm Beach has lower average private school tuition at $11,300/year vs $24,500/year in Seattle. That's $13,200/year less, or $171,600 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing West Palm Beach over Seattle?

Average tuition in West Palm Beach is $13,200/year less than Seattle. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $171,600 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $13,200/year in Seattle, $7,800/year in West Palm Beach.

How do Seattle and West Palm Beach private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Seattle averages $24,500/year ($12,150 above average). West Palm Beach averages $11,300/year ($1,050 below average).

Private School Cost: Seattle vs West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach averages $13,200/year less for private school (117% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $171,600 per child.

Bottom Line

West Palm Beach is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $11,300/year vs $24,500/year in Seattle. Religious schools run $7,800/year on the low end.

Seattle

$24,500

avg tuition/year

$12,150 above national avg

West Palm Beach

$11,300

avg tuition/year

$1,050 below national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Seattle	West Palm Beach	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$24,500/yr	$11,300/yr	+$13,200
Religious Schools	$13,200/yr	$7,800/yr	+$5,400
Independent/Prep	$38,000/yr	$23,200/yr	+$14,800
Elementary (K-5)	$20,000/yr	$9,600/yr	+$10,400
Middle School (6-8)	$24,500/yr	$11,300/yr	+$13,200
High School (9-12)	$30,500/yr	$13,600/yr	+$16,900

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Seattle

$318,500

West Palm Beach

$146,900

Choosing West Palm Beach saves $171,600 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $343,200.

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

West Palm Beach

Palm Beach Day Academy

Independent · PK–8 · $32,400/yr

Cardinal Newman High School (WPB)

Catholic · 9–12 · $15,200/yr

Full Seattle breakdown → Full West Palm Beach breakdown →

Washington private school costs Florida private school costs

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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.