Private School Cost: Boise vs San Bernardino
Boise averages $5,800/year less for private school (73% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $75,400 per child.
Bottom Line
Boise is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,000/year vs $13,800/year in San Bernardino. Religious schools run $5,500/year on the low end.
Boise
ID
$8,000
avg tuition/year
San Bernardino
CA
$13,800
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Boise | San Bernardino | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $8,000/yr | $13,800/yr | -$5,800 |
| Religious Schools | $5,500/yr | $9,000/yr | -$3,500 |
| Independent/Prep | $15,500/yr | $26,800/yr | -$11,300 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $6,800/yr | $11,700/yr | -$4,900 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $8,000/yr | $13,800/yr | -$5,800 |
| High School (9-12) | $9,600/yr | $16,600/yr | -$7,000 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Boise
$104,000
San Bernardino
$179,400
Choosing Boise saves $75,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $150,800.
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
San Bernardino
Our Lady of the Assumption School
Catholic · PK–8 · $8,400-$10,200/yr
San Bernardino Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $7,800-$9,200/yr
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.