Private School Cost: Boston vs Carlsbad
Carlsbad averages $18,000/year less for private school (96% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $234,000 per child.
Bottom Line
Carlsbad is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $18,800/year vs $36,800/year in Boston. Religious schools run $12,200/year on the low end.
Boston
MA
$36,800
avg tuition/year
Carlsbad
CA
$18,800
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Boston | Carlsbad | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $36,800/yr | $18,800/yr | +$18,000 |
| Religious Schools | $18,500/yr | $12,200/yr | +$6,300 |
| Independent/Prep | $56,000/yr | $36,600/yr | +$19,400 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $30,000/yr | $16,000/yr | +$14,000 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $36,800/yr | $18,800/yr | +$18,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $46,000/yr | $22,600/yr | +$23,400 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Boston
$478,400
Carlsbad
$244,400
Choosing Carlsbad saves $234,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $468,000.
Sample Schools
Boston
Boston Latin School (Exam)
Exam School (Public) · 7–12
Roxbury Latin School
Independent (need-based) · 7–12
Belmont Hill School
Independent · 7–12 · $59,800/yr
Boston College High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $23,100/yr
Carlsbad
Army Navy Academy (Carlsbad)
Independent (Military) · 7–12 · $47,500-$52,000/yr
Pacific Ridge School
Independent · 6–12 · $34,200/yr
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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.