Private School Cost: Irvine vs Mesa
Mesa averages $11,000/year less for private school (117% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $143,000 per child.
Bottom Line
Mesa is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $9,400/year vs $20,400/year in Irvine. Religious schools run $7,000/year on the low end.
Irvine
CA
$20,400
avg tuition/year
Mesa
AZ
$9,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Irvine | Mesa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $20,400/yr | $9,400/yr | +$11,000 |
| Religious Schools | $13,300/yr | $7,000/yr | +$6,300 |
| Independent/Prep | $39,700/yr | $18,000/yr | +$21,700 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $17,300/yr | $8,000/yr | +$9,300 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $20,400/yr | $9,400/yr | +$11,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $24,500/yr | $11,300/yr | +$13,200 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Irvine
$265,200
Mesa
$122,200
Choosing Mesa saves $143,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $286,000.
Sample Schools
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
Mesa
Gilbert Christian Schools
Christian · K–12 · $9,800-$12,400/yr
Mesa Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $8,600-$10,800/yr
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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.