Private School Cost: Charleston vs San Bernardino
Charleston averages $4,400/year less for private school (47% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $57,200 per child.
Bottom Line
Charleston is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $9,400/year vs $13,800/year in San Bernardino. Religious schools run $6,800/year on the low end.
Charleston
SC
$9,400
avg tuition/year
San Bernardino
CA
$13,800
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Charleston | San Bernardino | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $9,400/yr | $13,800/yr | -$4,400 |
| Religious Schools | $6,800/yr | $9,000/yr | -$2,200 |
| Independent/Prep | $19,400/yr | $26,800/yr | -$7,400 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $8,000/yr | $11,700/yr | -$3,700 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $9,400/yr | $13,800/yr | -$4,400 |
| High School (9-12) | $11,300/yr | $16,600/yr | -$5,300 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Charleston
$122,200
San Bernardino
$179,400
Choosing Charleston saves $57,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $114,400.
Sample Schools
Charleston
Porter-Gaud School
Independent · PK–12 · $25,800/yr
Bishop England High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $12,800/yr
San Bernardino
Our Lady of the Assumption School
Catholic · PK–8 · $8,400-$10,200/yr
San Bernardino Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $7,800-$9,200/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.