Is private school cheaper in Des Moines or Irvine?

Des Moines has lower average private school tuition at $6,900/year vs $20,400/year in Irvine. That's $13,500/year less, or $175,500 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Des Moines over Irvine?

Average tuition in Des Moines is $13,500/year less than Irvine. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $175,500 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $4,800/year in Des Moines, $13,300/year in Irvine.

How do Des Moines and Irvine private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Des Moines averages $6,900/year ($5,450 below average). Irvine averages $20,400/year ($8,050 above average).

Private School Cost: Des Moines vs Irvine

Des Moines averages $13,500/year less for private school (196% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $175,500 per child.

Bottom Line

Des Moines is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,900/year vs $20,400/year in Irvine. Religious schools run $4,800/year on the low end.

Des Moines

$6,900

avg tuition/year

$5,450 below national avg

Lower cost

Irvine

$20,400

avg tuition/year

$8,050 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Des Moines	Irvine	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$6,900/yr	$20,400/yr	-$13,500
Religious Schools	$4,800/yr	$13,300/yr	-$8,500
Independent/Prep	$14,400/yr	$39,700/yr	-$25,300
Elementary (K-5)	$5,900/yr	$17,300/yr	-$11,400
Middle School (6-8)	$6,900/yr	$20,400/yr	-$13,500
High School (9-12)	$8,300/yr	$24,500/yr	-$16,200

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Des Moines

$89,700

Irvine

$265,200

Choosing Des Moines saves $175,500 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $351,000.

Sample Schools

Des Moines

Dowling Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $10,400/yr

Des Moines Christian School

Christian · PK–12 · $9,600-$12,000/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

Full Des Moines breakdown → Full Irvine breakdown →

Iowa private school costs California private school costs

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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.