Is private school cheaper in Irvine or Portland?

Portland has lower average private school tuition at $18,200/year vs $20,400/year in Irvine. That's $2,200/year less, or $28,600 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Portland is $2,200/year less than Irvine. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $28,600 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $13,300/year in Irvine, $10,400/year in Portland.

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

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Irvine averages $20,400/year ($8,050 above average). Portland averages $18,200/year ($5,850 above average).

Private School Cost: Irvine vs Portland

Portland averages $2,200/year less for private school (12% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $28,600 per child.

Bottom Line

Portland is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $18,200/year vs $20,400/year in Irvine. Religious schools run $10,400/year on the low end.

Irvine

$20,400

avg tuition/year

$8,050 above national avg

Portland

$18,200

avg tuition/year

$5,850 above national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Irvine	Portland	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$20,400/yr	$18,200/yr	+$2,200
Religious Schools	$13,300/yr	$10,400/yr	+$2,900
Independent/Prep	$39,700/yr	$31,500/yr	+$8,200
Elementary (K-5)	$17,300/yr	$14,800/yr	+$2,500
Middle School (6-8)	$20,400/yr	$18,200/yr	+$2,200
High School (9-12)	$24,500/yr	$22,500/yr	+$2,000

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Irvine

$265,200

Portland

$236,600

Choosing Portland saves $28,600 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $57,200.

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

Portland

Catlin Gabel School

Independent · PK–12 · $38,400-$41,200/yr

Oregon Episcopal School

Independent · PK–12 · $34,800/yr

Jesuit High School (Portland)

Catholic · 9–12 · $19,200/yr

Central Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $14,800/yr

Full Irvine breakdown → Full Portland breakdown →

California private school costs Oregon private school costs

Related Comparisons

Irvine vs Los Angeles → Seattle vs Portland →

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.