Is private school cheaper in Cary or Modesto?

Cary has lower average private school tuition at $11,500/year vs $14,400/year in Modesto. That's $2,900/year less, or $37,700 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Cary is $2,900/year less than Modesto. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $37,700 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $8,100/year in Cary, $9,400/year in Modesto.

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

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Cary averages $11,500/year ($850 below average). Modesto averages $14,400/year ($2,050 above average).

Private School Cost: Cary vs Modesto

Cary averages $2,900/year less for private school (25% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $37,700 per child.

Bottom Line

Cary is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $11,500/year vs $14,400/year in Modesto. Religious schools run $8,100/year on the low end.

Cary

$11,500

avg tuition/year

$850 below national avg

Lower cost

Modesto

$14,400

avg tuition/year

$2,050 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Cary	Modesto	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$11,500/yr	$14,400/yr	-$2,900
Religious Schools	$8,100/yr	$9,400/yr	-$1,300
Independent/Prep	$24,100/yr	$28,100/yr	-$4,000
Elementary (K-5)	$9,800/yr	$12,200/yr	-$2,400
Middle School (6-8)	$11,500/yr	$14,400/yr	-$2,900
High School (9-12)	$13,800/yr	$17,300/yr	-$3,500

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Cary

$149,500

Modesto

$187,200

Choosing Cary saves $37,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $75,400.

Sample Schools

Cary

Cary Academy

Independent · 6–12 · $25,800/yr

Thales Academy (Cary)

Independent · K–12 · $7,200-$9,400/yr

Modesto

Central Catholic High School (Modesto)

Catholic · 9–12 · $11,200/yr

Modesto Christian School

Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr

Full Cary breakdown → Full Modesto breakdown →

North Carolina private school costs California 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.