Is private school cheaper in Des Moines or Simi Valley?

Des Moines has lower average private school tuition at $6,900/year vs $17,200/year in Simi Valley. That's $10,300/year less, or $133,900 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Des Moines is $10,300/year less than Simi Valley. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $133,900 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $4,800/year in Des Moines, $11,200/year in Simi Valley.

How do Des Moines and Simi Valley 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). Simi Valley averages $17,200/year ($4,850 above average).

Private School Cost: Des Moines vs Simi Valley

Des Moines averages $10,300/year less for private school (149% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $133,900 per child.

Bottom Line

Des Moines is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,900/year vs $17,200/year in Simi Valley. Religious schools run $4,800/year on the low end.

Des Moines

$6,900

avg tuition/year

$5,450 below national avg

Lower cost

Simi Valley

$17,200

avg tuition/year

$4,850 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Des Moines	Simi Valley	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$6,900/yr	$17,200/yr	-$10,300
Religious Schools	$4,800/yr	$11,200/yr	-$6,400
Independent/Prep	$14,400/yr	$33,600/yr	-$19,200
Elementary (K-5)	$5,900/yr	$14,600/yr	-$8,700
Middle School (6-8)	$6,900/yr	$17,200/yr	-$10,300
High School (9-12)	$8,300/yr	$20,600/yr	-$12,300

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Des Moines

$89,700

Simi Valley

$223,600

Choosing Des Moines saves $133,900 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $267,800.

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

Simi Valley

Notre Dame High School (Sherman Oaks)

Catholic · 9–12 · $21,400/yr

Simi Valley Christian School

Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr

Full Des Moines breakdown → Full Simi Valley 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.