Is private school cheaper in Modesto or New York City?

Modesto has lower average private school tuition at $14,400/year vs $38,500/year in New York City. That's $24,100/year less, or $313,300 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Modesto over New York City?

Average tuition in Modesto is $24,100/year less than New York City. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $313,300 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $9,400/year in Modesto, $17,500/year in New York City.

How do Modesto and New York City private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Modesto averages $14,400/year ($2,050 above average). New York City averages $38,500/year ($26,150 above average).

Private School Cost: Modesto vs New York City

Modesto averages $24,100/year less for private school (167% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $313,300 per child.

Bottom Line

Modesto is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $14,400/year vs $38,500/year in New York City. Religious schools run $9,400/year on the low end.

Modesto

$14,400

avg tuition/year

$2,050 above national avg

Lower cost

New York City

$38,500

avg tuition/year

$26,150 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Modesto	New York City	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$14,400/yr	$38,500/yr	-$24,100
Religious Schools	$9,400/yr	$17,500/yr	-$8,100
Independent/Prep	$28,100/yr	$58,000/yr	-$29,900
Elementary (K-5)	$12,200/yr	$32,000/yr	-$19,800
Middle School (6-8)	$14,400/yr	$38,500/yr	-$24,100
High School (9-12)	$17,300/yr	$48,000/yr	-$30,700

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Modesto

$187,200

New York City

$500,500

Choosing Modesto saves $313,300 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $626,600.

Sample Schools

Modesto

Central Catholic High School (Modesto)

Catholic · 9–12 · $11,200/yr

Modesto Christian School

Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr

New York City

Dalton School

Independent · K–12 · $60,310/yr

Trinity School NYC

Independent · K–12 · $59,900/yr

Horace Mann School

Independent · K–12 · $59,200/yr

Regis High School

Catholic (tuition-free) · 9–12

Full Modesto breakdown → Full New York City breakdown →

California private school costs New York private school costs

Related Comparisons

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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.