Private School Cost: Sioux Falls vs Tallahassee
Sioux Falls averages $4,000/year less for private school (68% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $52,000 per child.
Bottom Line
Sioux Falls is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $5,900/year vs $9,900/year in Tallahassee. Religious schools run $4,200/year on the low end.
Sioux Falls
SD
$5,900
avg tuition/year
Tallahassee
FL
$9,900
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Sioux Falls | Tallahassee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $5,900/yr | $9,900/yr | -$4,000 |
| Religious Schools | $4,200/yr | $6,800/yr | -$2,600 |
| Independent/Prep | $12,000/yr | $20,400/yr | -$8,400 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $5,000/yr | $8,400/yr | -$3,400 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $5,900/yr | $9,900/yr | -$4,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $7,100/yr | $11,900/yr | -$4,800 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Sioux Falls
$76,700
Tallahassee
$128,700
Choosing Sioux Falls saves $52,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $104,000.
Sample Schools
Sioux Falls
O'Gorman High School (Sioux Falls)
Catholic · 9–12 · $8,800/yr
Sioux Falls Christian Schools
Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr
Tallahassee
Maclay School (Tallahassee)
Independent · PK–12 · $18,400/yr
St. John Paul II Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $10,800/yr
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.