Is private school cheaper in Mesa or Modesto?

Mesa has lower average private school tuition at $9,400/year vs $14,400/year in Modesto. That's $5,000/year less, or $65,000 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Mesa over Modesto?

Average tuition in Mesa is $5,000/year less than Modesto. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $65,000 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $7,000/year in Mesa, $9,400/year in Modesto.

How do Mesa and Modesto private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Mesa averages $9,400/year ($2,950 below average). Modesto averages $14,400/year ($2,050 above average).

Private School Cost: Mesa vs Modesto

Mesa averages $5,000/year less for private school (53% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $65,000 per child.

Bottom Line

Mesa is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $9,400/year vs $14,400/year in Modesto. Religious schools run $7,000/year on the low end.

Mesa

$9,400

avg tuition/year

$2,950 below national avg

Lower cost

Modesto

$14,400

avg tuition/year

$2,050 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Mesa	Modesto	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$9,400/yr	$14,400/yr	-$5,000
Religious Schools	$7,000/yr	$9,400/yr	-$2,400
Independent/Prep	$18,000/yr	$28,100/yr	-$10,100
Elementary (K-5)	$8,000/yr	$12,200/yr	-$4,200
Middle School (6-8)	$9,400/yr	$14,400/yr	-$5,000
High School (9-12)	$11,300/yr	$17,300/yr	-$6,000

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Mesa

$122,200

Modesto

$187,200

Choosing Mesa saves $65,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $130,000.

Sample Schools

Mesa

Gilbert Christian Schools

Christian · K–12 · $9,800-$12,400/yr

Mesa Christian School

Christian · K–12 · $8,600-$10,800/yr

Modesto

Central Catholic High School (Modesto)

Catholic · 9–12 · $11,200/yr

Modesto Christian School

Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr

Full Mesa breakdown → Full Modesto breakdown →

Arizona private school costs California private school costs

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.