Is private school cheaper in Chula Vista or Lowell?

Chula Vista has lower average private school tuition at $17,200/year vs $23,600/year in Lowell. That's $6,400/year less, or $83,200 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Chula Vista over Lowell?

Average tuition in Chula Vista is $6,400/year less than Lowell. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $83,200 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $11,200/year in Chula Vista, $12,800/year in Lowell.

How do Chula Vista and Lowell private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Chula Vista averages $17,200/year ($4,850 above average). Lowell averages $23,600/year ($11,250 above average).

Private School Cost: Chula Vista vs Lowell

Chula Vista averages $6,400/year less for private school (37% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $83,200 per child.

Bottom Line

Chula Vista is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $17,200/year vs $23,600/year in Lowell. Religious schools run $11,200/year on the low end.

Chula Vista

$17,200

avg tuition/year

$4,850 above national avg

Lower cost

Lowell

$23,600

avg tuition/year

$11,250 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Chula Vista	Lowell	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$17,200/yr	$23,600/yr	-$6,400
Religious Schools	$11,200/yr	$12,800/yr	-$1,600
Independent/Prep	$33,600/yr	$48,100/yr	-$14,500
Elementary (K-5)	$14,600/yr	$20,100/yr	-$5,500
Middle School (6-8)	$17,200/yr	$23,600/yr	-$6,400
High School (9-12)	$20,600/yr	$28,300/yr	-$7,700

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Chula Vista

$223,600

Lowell

$306,800

Choosing Chula Vista saves $83,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $166,400.

Sample Schools

Chula Vista

Mater Dei Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $14,600/yr

Olympian High School (Private)

Independent · 9–12 · $12,800/yr

Lowell

Lowell Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/yr

St. Michael Academy (Lowell)

Catholic · K–8 · $10,800-$12,800/yr

Full Chula Vista breakdown → Full Lowell breakdown →

California private school costs Massachusetts 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.