Private School Cost: Buffalo vs Simi Valley
Simi Valley averages $1,300/year less for private school (8% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $16,900 per child.
Bottom Line
Simi Valley is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $17,200/year vs $18,500/year in Buffalo. Religious schools run $10,600/year on the low end.
Buffalo
NY
$18,500
avg tuition/year
Simi Valley
CA
$17,200
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Buffalo | Simi Valley | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $18,500/yr | $17,200/yr | +$1,300 |
| Religious Schools | $10,600/yr | $11,200/yr | -$600 |
| Independent/Prep | $39,400/yr | $33,600/yr | +$5,800 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $15,700/yr | $14,600/yr | +$1,100 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $18,500/yr | $17,200/yr | +$1,300 |
| High School (9-12) | $22,200/yr | $20,600/yr | +$1,600 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Buffalo
$240,500
Simi Valley
$223,600
Choosing Simi Valley saves $16,900 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $33,800.
Sample Schools
Buffalo
Canisius High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $16,200/yr
Buffalo Seminary
Independent · 7–12 · $22,400/yr
Nardin Academy
Catholic · PK–12 · $16,800/yr
Simi Valley
Notre Dame High School (Sherman Oaks)
Catholic · 9–12 · $21,400/yr
Simi Valley Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/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.