Online tutoring is about 20% cheaper than in-person tutoring in 2026. A secondary-school lesson that costs €25–€45 per hour at home typically runs €20–€38 online — and that is before you count the travel time and fuel that in-person lessons quietly add to the bill.
Is online tutoring cheaper than in-person?
Yes, on two fronts. The headline rate is lower because tutors save commuting time and can teach more students per week. And the hidden costs disappear: no driving your child across town, no tutor charging for travel.
| Format | Secondary-level rate (per hour) | Travel cost |
|---|---|---|
| In-person (at home) | €25 – €45 | Your time + fuel, or tutor's travel fee |
| Online | €20 – €38 | None |
Why does online cost about 20% less?
An online tutor with no commute can fit more lessons into the same week and reach students anywhere, so the market is more competitive and rates settle lower. There is also no travel surcharge — a common add-on for in-person tutors covering longer distances. The full set of price drivers is in why tutoring prices vary.
The hidden costs of in-person tutoring
The sticker price hides real expenses: 20–40 minutes of driving each way, fuel or public-transport fares, and the scheduling friction that makes lessons easier to cancel. Over a term these add up to more than the per-hour gap suggests. Booking online tutoring removes them entirely.
When is in-person still worth it?
For very young children who need hands-on supervision, or for practical subjects, in-person can justify the premium. For most secondary and exam-level academic work, online matches the outcome at lower cost — see the tutoring costs guide and our rates research.
FAQ
How much can I save by choosing online? Roughly 20% on the hourly rate, plus all travel time and fuel. Over a 30-lesson term that is a substantial saving.
Is online tutoring as effective as in-person? For academic subjects, yes — interactive whiteboards and screen sharing match a kitchen-table lesson, while costing less and saving travel.
Do online tutors charge a travel fee? No. Travel fees only apply to in-person tutors covering distance; online removes that line item completely. Find a tutor to compare both formats.