Is private school cheaper in Carlsbad or Des Moines?

Des Moines has lower average private school tuition at $6,900/year vs $18,800/year in Carlsbad. That's $11,900/year less, or $154,700 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Des Moines over Carlsbad?

Average tuition in Des Moines is $11,900/year less than Carlsbad. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $154,700 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $12,200/year in Carlsbad, $4,800/year in Des Moines.

How do Carlsbad and Des Moines private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Carlsbad averages $18,800/year ($6,450 above average). Des Moines averages $6,900/year ($5,450 below average).

Private School Cost: Carlsbad vs Des Moines

Des Moines averages $11,900/year less for private school (172% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $154,700 per child.

Bottom Line

Des Moines is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,900/year vs $18,800/year in Carlsbad. Religious schools run $4,800/year on the low end.

Carlsbad

$18,800

avg tuition/year

$6,450 above national avg

Des Moines

$6,900

avg tuition/year

$5,450 below national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Carlsbad	Des Moines	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$18,800/yr	$6,900/yr	+$11,900
Religious Schools	$12,200/yr	$4,800/yr	+$7,400
Independent/Prep	$36,600/yr	$14,400/yr	+$22,200
Elementary (K-5)	$16,000/yr	$5,900/yr	+$10,100
Middle School (6-8)	$18,800/yr	$6,900/yr	+$11,900
High School (9-12)	$22,600/yr	$8,300/yr	+$14,300

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Carlsbad

$244,400

Des Moines

$89,700

Choosing Des Moines saves $154,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $309,400.

Sample Schools

Carlsbad

Army Navy Academy (Carlsbad)

Independent (Military) · 7–12 · $47,500-$52,000/yr

Pacific Ridge School

Independent · 6–12 · $34,200/yr

Des Moines

Dowling Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $10,400/yr

Des Moines Christian School

Christian · PK–12 · $9,600-$12,000/yr

Full Carlsbad breakdown → Full Des Moines breakdown →

California private school costs Iowa 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.