Private School Cost: Charleston vs Irvine
Charleston averages $14,000/year less for private school (219% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $182,000 per child.
Bottom Line
Charleston is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,400/year vs $20,400/year in Irvine. Religious schools run $4,600/year on the low end.
Charleston
WV
$6,400
avg tuition/year
Irvine
CA
$20,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Charleston | Irvine | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $6,400/yr | $20,400/yr | -$14,000 |
| Religious Schools | $4,600/yr | $13,300/yr | -$8,700 |
| Independent/Prep | $12,800/yr | $39,700/yr | -$26,900 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $5,400/yr | $17,300/yr | -$11,900 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $6,400/yr | $20,400/yr | -$14,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $7,700/yr | $24,500/yr | -$16,800 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Charleston
$83,200
Irvine
$265,200
Choosing Charleston saves $182,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $364,000.
Sample Schools
Charleston
Charleston Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $9,200/yr
Liberty Christian Academy (Charleston WV)
Christian · K–12 · $7,800-$9,800/yr
Irvine
Sage Hill School
Independent · 9–12 · $45,200/yr
Woodbridge Village Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $16,800/yr
Our Lady Queen of Angels School
Catholic · K–8 · $10,400-$12,200/yr
Related Comparisons
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.