Private School Cost: Albuquerque vs San Diego
Albuquerque averages $11,000/year less for private school (108% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $143,000 per child.
Bottom Line
Albuquerque is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $10,200/year vs $21,200/year in San Diego. Religious schools run $7,000/year on the low end.
Albuquerque
NM
$10,200
avg tuition/year
San Diego
CA
$21,200
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Albuquerque | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $10,200/yr | $21,200/yr | -$11,000 |
| Religious Schools | $7,000/yr | $11,500/yr | -$4,500 |
| Independent/Prep | $19,000/yr | $36,500/yr | -$17,500 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $8,400/yr | $17,500/yr | -$9,100 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $10,200/yr | $21,200/yr | -$11,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $12,500/yr | $26,000/yr | -$13,500 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Albuquerque
$132,600
San Diego
$275,600
Choosing Albuquerque saves $143,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $286,000.
Sample Schools
Albuquerque
Albuquerque Academy
Independent · 6–12 · $20,800-$22,400/yr
Sandia Preparatory School
Independent · 6–12 · $18,400/yr
St. Pius X High School (Albuquerque)
Catholic · 9–12 · $10,800/yr
Bosque School
Independent · 6–12 · $19,800-$21,400/yr
San Diego
Bishop's School
Independent · 7–12 · $43,200/yr
La Jolla Country Day School
Independent · PK–12 · $38,800-$41,200/yr
Francis Parker School
Independent · K–12 · $36,400-$38,800/yr
Cathedral Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $19,800/yr
Related Comparisons
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.