Is private school cheaper in Carlsbad or Tucson?

Tucson has lower average private school tuition at $10,800/year vs $18,800/year in Carlsbad. That's $8,000/year less, or $104,000 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Tucson is $8,000/year less than Carlsbad. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $104,000 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $12,200/year in Carlsbad, $7,200/year in Tucson.

How do Carlsbad and Tucson 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). Tucson averages $10,800/year ($1,550 below average).

Private School Cost: Carlsbad vs Tucson

Tucson averages $8,000/year less for private school (74% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $104,000 per child.

Bottom Line

Tucson is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $10,800/year vs $18,800/year in Carlsbad. Religious schools run $7,200/year on the low end.

Carlsbad

$18,800

avg tuition/year

$6,450 above national avg

Tucson

$10,800

avg tuition/year

$1,550 below national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Carlsbad	Tucson	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$18,800/yr	$10,800/yr	+$8,000
Religious Schools	$12,200/yr	$7,200/yr	+$5,000
Independent/Prep	$36,600/yr	$20,500/yr	+$16,100
Elementary (K-5)	$16,000/yr	$8,800/yr	+$7,200
Middle School (6-8)	$18,800/yr	$10,800/yr	+$8,000
High School (9-12)	$22,600/yr	$13,400/yr	+$9,200

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Carlsbad

$244,400

Tucson

$140,400

Choosing Tucson saves $104,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $208,000.

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

Tucson

Basis Tucson North

Charter (Free) · 5–12

Salpointe Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/yr

Pusch Ridge Christian Academy

Christian · K–12 · $10,200-$11,800/yr

Tanque Verde School

Public District · K–12

Full Carlsbad breakdown → Full Tucson breakdown →

California private school costs Arizona 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.