Private School Cost: Denver vs Irvine
Denver averages $4,000/year less for private school (24% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $52,000 per child.
Bottom Line
Denver is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $16,400/year vs $20,400/year in Irvine. Religious schools run $9,800/year on the low end.
Denver
CO
$16,400
avg tuition/year
Irvine
CA
$20,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Denver | Irvine | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $16,400/yr | $20,400/yr | -$4,000 |
| Religious Schools | $9,800/yr | $13,300/yr | -$3,500 |
| Independent/Prep | $28,500/yr | $39,700/yr | -$11,200 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $13,500/yr | $17,300/yr | -$3,800 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $16,400/yr | $20,400/yr | -$4,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $20,200/yr | $24,500/yr | -$4,300 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Denver
$213,200
Irvine
$265,200
Choosing Denver saves $52,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $104,000.
Sample Schools
Denver
Kent Denver School
Independent · 6–12 · $35,200-$37,800/yr
Colorado Academy
Independent · PK–12 · $33,800-$36,400/yr
Regis Jesuit High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $18,800/yr
Mullen High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $17,400/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.