Private School Cost: Chicago vs Orange County
Chicago averages $2,400/year less for private school (13% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $31,200 per child.
Bottom Line
Chicago is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $18,400/year vs $20,800/year in Orange County. Religious schools run $10,200/year on the low end.
Chicago
IL
$18,400
avg tuition/year
Orange County
CA
$20,800
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Chicago | Orange County | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $18,400/yr | $20,800/yr | -$2,400 |
| Religious Schools | $10,200/yr | $11,200/yr | -$1,000 |
| Independent/Prep | $32,000/yr | $34,800/yr | -$2,800 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $15,000/yr | $17,000/yr | -$2,000 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $18,400/yr | $20,800/yr | -$2,400 |
| High School (9-12) | $22,800/yr | $25,500/yr | -$2,700 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Chicago
$239,200
Orange County
$270,400
Choosing Chicago saves $31,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $62,400.
Sample Schools
Chicago
Latin School of Chicago
Independent · JK–12 · $38,040/yr
University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
Independent · N–12 · $35,700-$38,200/yr
Francis W. Parker School
Independent · JK–12 · $36,800/yr
St. Ignatius College Prep (Chicago)
Catholic · 9–12 · $19,400/yr
Orange County
Sage Hill School
Independent · 9–12 · $41,800/yr
Fairmont Preparatory Academy
Independent · 9–12 · $34,600-$37,200/yr
Calvary Chapel Academy
Christian · K–12 · $10,400-$12,800/yr
JSerra Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $22,400/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.