Is private school cheaper in Des Moines or Orange County?

Des Moines has lower average private school tuition at $6,900/year vs $20,800/year in Orange County. That's $13,900/year less, or $180,700 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Des Moines is $13,900/year less than Orange County. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $180,700 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $4,800/year in Des Moines, $11,200/year in Orange County.

How do Des Moines and Orange County 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). Orange County averages $20,800/year ($8,450 above average).

Private School Cost: Des Moines vs Orange County

Des Moines averages $13,900/year less for private school (201% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $180,700 per child.

Bottom Line

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

Des Moines

$6,900

avg tuition/year

$5,450 below national avg

Lower cost

Orange County

$20,800

avg tuition/year

$8,450 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Des Moines	Orange County	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$6,900/yr	$20,800/yr	-$13,900
Religious Schools	$4,800/yr	$11,200/yr	-$6,400
Independent/Prep	$14,400/yr	$34,800/yr	-$20,400
Elementary (K-5)	$5,900/yr	$17,000/yr	-$11,100
Middle School (6-8)	$6,900/yr	$20,800/yr	-$13,900
High School (9-12)	$8,300/yr	$25,500/yr	-$17,200

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Des Moines

$89,700

Orange County

$270,400

Choosing Des Moines saves $180,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $361,400.

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

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

Full Des Moines breakdown → Full Orange County breakdown →

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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.