Private School Cost: Charlotte vs Irvine
Charlotte averages $6,900/year less for private school (51% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $89,700 per child.
Bottom Line
Charlotte is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $13,500/year vs $20,400/year in Irvine. Religious schools run $8,400/year on the low end.
Charlotte
NC
$13,500
avg tuition/year
Irvine
CA
$20,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Charlotte | Irvine | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $13,500/yr | $20,400/yr | -$6,900 |
| Religious Schools | $8,400/yr | $13,300/yr | -$4,900 |
| Independent/Prep | $25,000/yr | $39,700/yr | -$14,700 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $11,000/yr | $17,300/yr | -$6,300 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $13,500/yr | $20,400/yr | -$6,900 |
| High School (9-12) | $16,700/yr | $24,500/yr | -$7,800 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Charlotte
$175,500
Irvine
$265,200
Choosing Charlotte saves $89,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $179,400.
Sample Schools
Charlotte
Charlotte Latin School
Independent · K–12 · $26,800-$29,200/yr
Providence Day School
Independent · PK–12 · $24,800/yr
Myers Park Traditional School
Magnet (Free) · K–12
Charlotte Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $16,200/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.