Private School Cost: Lansing vs San Diego
Lansing averages $12,700/year less for private school (149% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $165,100 per child.
Bottom Line
Lansing is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,500/year vs $21,200/year in San Diego. Religious schools run $5,900/year on the low end.
Lansing
MI
$8,500
avg tuition/year
San Diego
CA
$21,200
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Lansing | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $8,500/yr | $21,200/yr | -$12,700 |
| Religious Schools | $5,900/yr | $11,500/yr | -$5,600 |
| Independent/Prep | $18,200/yr | $36,500/yr | -$18,300 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $7,200/yr | $17,500/yr | -$10,300 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $8,500/yr | $21,200/yr | -$12,700 |
| High School (9-12) | $10,200/yr | $26,000/yr | -$15,800 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Lansing
$110,500
San Diego
$275,600
Choosing Lansing saves $165,100 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $330,200.
Sample Schools
Lansing
Lansing Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $11,200/yr
Potter's House Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $8,400-$10,400/yr
San Diego
Bishop's School
Independent · 7–12 · $43,200/yr
La Jolla Country Day School
Independent · PK–12 · $38,800-$41,200/yr
Francis Parker School
Independent · K–12 · $36,400-$38,800/yr
Cathedral Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $19,800/yr
Related Comparisons
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.