Is private school cheaper in Boise or Fresno?

Boise has lower average private school tuition at $8,000/year vs $10,500/year in Fresno. That's $2,500/year less, or $32,500 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Boise over Fresno?

Average tuition in Boise is $2,500/year less than Fresno. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $32,500 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $5,500/year in Boise, $7,000/year in Fresno.

How do Boise and Fresno private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Boise averages $8,000/year ($4,350 below average). Fresno averages $10,500/year ($1,850 below average).

Private School Cost: Boise vs Fresno

Boise averages $2,500/year less for private school (31% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $32,500 per child.

Bottom Line

Boise is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,000/year vs $10,500/year in Fresno. Religious schools run $5,500/year on the low end.

Boise

$8,000

avg tuition/year

$4,350 below national avg

Lower cost

Fresno

$10,500

avg tuition/year

$1,850 below national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Boise	Fresno	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$8,000/yr	$10,500/yr	-$2,500
Religious Schools	$5,500/yr	$7,000/yr	-$1,500
Independent/Prep	$15,500/yr	$19,500/yr	-$4,000
Elementary (K-5)	$6,800/yr	$8,600/yr	-$1,800
Middle School (6-8)	$8,000/yr	$10,500/yr	-$2,500
High School (9-12)	$9,600/yr	$12,900/yr	-$3,300

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Boise

$104,000

Fresno

$136,500

Choosing Boise saves $32,500 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $65,000.

Sample Schools

Boise

The Ambrose School (Boise)

Christian Classical · PK–12 · $12,200-$14,800/yr

Boise Christian School

Christian · K–12 · $9,400-$11,800/yr

Fresno

Clovis Christian Schools

Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$10,800/yr

Central High School (Fresno) (Catholic)

Catholic · 9–12 · $12,800/yr

Bullard Talent School

Magnet (Free) · K–8

Fresno Christian Schools

Christian · K–12 · $9,800-$11,400/yr

Full Boise breakdown → Full Fresno breakdown →

Idaho private school costs California private school costs

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.