Is private school cheaper in Tucson or Washington DC?

Tucson has lower average private school tuition at $10,800/year vs $28,400/year in Washington DC. That's $17,600/year less, or $228,800 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Tucson over Washington DC?

Average tuition in Tucson is $17,600/year less than Washington DC. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $228,800 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $7,200/year in Tucson, $15,200/year in Washington DC.

How do Tucson and Washington DC private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Tucson averages $10,800/year ($1,550 below average). Washington DC averages $28,400/year ($16,050 above average).

Private School Cost: Tucson vs Washington DC

Tucson averages $17,600/year less for private school (163% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $228,800 per child.

Bottom Line

Tucson is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $10,800/year vs $28,400/year in Washington DC. Religious schools run $7,200/year on the low end.

Tucson

$10,800

avg tuition/year

$1,550 below national avg

Lower cost

Washington DC

$28,400

avg tuition/year

$16,050 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Tucson	Washington DC	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$10,800/yr	$28,400/yr	-$17,600
Religious Schools	$7,200/yr	$15,200/yr	-$8,000
Independent/Prep	$20,500/yr	$46,000/yr	-$25,500
Elementary (K-5)	$8,800/yr	$23,000/yr	-$14,200
Middle School (6-8)	$10,800/yr	$28,400/yr	-$17,600
High School (9-12)	$13,400/yr	$35,500/yr	-$22,100

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Tucson

$140,400

Washington DC

$369,200

Choosing Tucson saves $228,800 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $457,600.

Sample Schools

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

Washington DC

Sidwell Friends School

Independent (Quaker) · PK–12 · $52,900/yr

Georgetown Day School

Independent · PK–12 · $51,400/yr

National Cathedral School

Independent · 4–12 · $50,200/yr

Gonzaga College High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $25,400/yr

Full Tucson breakdown → Full Washington DC breakdown →

Arizona private school costs District of Columbia private school costs

Related Comparisons

Washington DC vs Atlanta →

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.