Is private school cheaper in Chula Vista or Modesto?

Modesto has lower average private school tuition at $14,400/year vs $17,200/year in Chula Vista. That's $2,800/year less, or $36,400 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Modesto is $2,800/year less than Chula Vista. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $36,400 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $11,200/year in Chula Vista, $9,400/year in Modesto.

How do Chula Vista and Modesto 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). Modesto averages $14,400/year ($2,050 above average).

Private School Cost: Chula Vista vs Modesto

Modesto averages $2,800/year less for private school (19% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $36,400 per child.

Bottom Line

Modesto is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $14,400/year vs $17,200/year in Chula Vista. Religious schools run $9,400/year on the low end.

Chula Vista

$17,200

avg tuition/year

$4,850 above national avg

Modesto

$14,400

avg tuition/year

$2,050 above national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Chula Vista	Modesto	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$17,200/yr	$14,400/yr	+$2,800
Religious Schools	$11,200/yr	$9,400/yr	+$1,800
Independent/Prep	$33,600/yr	$28,100/yr	+$5,500
Elementary (K-5)	$14,600/yr	$12,200/yr	+$2,400
Middle School (6-8)	$17,200/yr	$14,400/yr	+$2,800
High School (9-12)	$20,600/yr	$17,300/yr	+$3,300

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Chula Vista

$223,600

Modesto

$187,200

Choosing Modesto saves $36,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $72,800.

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

Modesto

Central Catholic High School (Modesto)

Catholic · 9–12 · $11,200/yr

Modesto Christian School

Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr

Full Chula Vista breakdown → Full Modesto breakdown →

California 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.