Is private school cheaper in Bridgeport or Cary?

Cary has lower average private school tuition at $11,500/year vs $23,100/year in Bridgeport. That's $11,600/year less, or $150,800 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Cary over Bridgeport?

Average tuition in Cary is $11,600/year less than Bridgeport. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $150,800 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $12,700/year in Bridgeport, $8,100/year in Cary.

How do Bridgeport and Cary private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Bridgeport averages $23,100/year ($10,750 above average). Cary averages $11,500/year ($850 below average).

Private School Cost: Bridgeport vs Cary

Cary averages $11,600/year less for private school (101% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $150,800 per child.

Bottom Line

Cary is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $11,500/year vs $23,100/year in Bridgeport. Religious schools run $8,100/year on the low end.

Bridgeport

$23,100

avg tuition/year

$10,750 above national avg

Cary

$11,500

avg tuition/year

$850 below national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Bridgeport	Cary	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$23,100/yr	$11,500/yr	+$11,600
Religious Schools	$12,700/yr	$8,100/yr	+$4,600
Independent/Prep	$45,900/yr	$24,100/yr	+$21,800
Elementary (K-5)	$19,600/yr	$9,800/yr	+$9,800
Middle School (6-8)	$23,100/yr	$11,500/yr	+$11,600
High School (9-12)	$27,700/yr	$13,800/yr	+$13,900

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Bridgeport

$300,300

Cary

$149,500

Choosing Cary saves $150,800 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $301,600.

Sample Schools

Bridgeport

Fairfield Prep

Catholic · 9–12 · $22,800/yr

Academy of Our Lady of Mercy

Catholic · PK–12 · $14,800/yr

Cary

Cary Academy

Independent · 6–12 · $25,800/yr

Thales Academy (Cary)

Independent · K–12 · $7,200-$9,400/yr

Full Bridgeport breakdown → Full Cary breakdown →

Connecticut private school costs North Carolina 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.