The most expensive places in Australia to send a child to school have been revealed in new research.
The Futurity Investment Group’s “cost of education index” revealed the prices people pay in different parts of the country for 13 years of government, Catholic, or independent schooling.
Sydney topped the list for a full government school education for a child starting school in 2025, at a cost of $150,323 – a massive surge of 59 per cent compared to last year’s measurements.
That’s 22 per cent above the national average of $123,294 for a 13-year government education, and is more than $28,000 above the second-most expensive location, Perth, where it costs $122,106.
School fees and voluntary contributions will make up just five per cent of that cost for a Sydney education this year, with the remainder spent on expenses such as electronic devices, tuition, and uniforms.
Sydney is also the most expensive place in Australia for an independent education, with an estimated 13-year-cost of $411,108 for a child starting school in 2025, up nine per cent compared to 2024.
That’s 17 per cent above the national average of $350,158.
School fees add up to 55 per cent of the total.
Canberra is the most expensive place in the country for a Catholic education, with a forecast total cost of $215,633 for a child starting school in 2025 – three per cent up on last year.
That’s also 11 per cent above the national average of $193,666.
School fees make up 46 per cent of the cost of a Catholic education for a child starting school in Canberra this year.
Outside the major cities, the cost index found that Queensland was the most expensive state for a regional and remote government education, with a forecast cost of $90,267 over 13 years.
That is 11 per cent above the national non-metro average of $81,141.
Queensland is also the most expensive state for a regional or remote Catholic education, at $157,805 over 13 years – though that’s actually four per cent lower than last year.
The average non-metro Catholic education in Australia is $153,144.
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On the other side of the country, Western Australia is the most expensive place for a non-metro independent education, with a forecast 13-year cost of $277,862, 32 per cent up on 2024.
It’s 14 per cent above the national average of $244,075.
Futurity Investment Group’s Sarah McAdie said the costs associated with education are placing a substantial burden on many Australian families.
“Spiralling cost of living, rent and mortgage repayment pressures mean many households are under considerable pressure,” McAdie said.
“With less discretionary money to spend, it is going to be a challenge for many families to pay for education, including school fees and voluntary contributions, which have all increased in the past year.”
She said parents continued to prioritise education but were cutting down on spending for extras, including tuition, musical instruments, and electives.
“A growing proportion of parents are also choosing to delay an education opportunity for their child,” McAdie said.
“Parents who have planned and saved for education will be in a better position in the long run and will have the opportunity to explore and afford choice when it comes to their children’s education.”
