Private School Cost: Modesto vs Palm Bay
Palm Bay averages $5,000/year less for private school (53% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $65,000 per child.
Bottom Line
Palm Bay is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $9,400/year vs $14,400/year in Modesto. Religious schools run $6,500/year on the low end.
Modesto
CA
$14,400
avg tuition/year
Palm Bay
FL
$9,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Modesto | Palm Bay | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $14,400/yr | $9,400/yr | +$5,000 |
| Religious Schools | $9,400/yr | $6,500/yr | +$2,900 |
| Independent/Prep | $28,100/yr | $19,400/yr | +$8,700 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $12,200/yr | $8,000/yr | +$4,200 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $14,400/yr | $9,400/yr | +$5,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $17,300/yr | $11,300/yr | +$6,000 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Modesto
$187,200
Palm Bay
$122,200
Choosing Palm Bay saves $65,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $130,000.
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
Palm Bay
Our Lady of Grace Academy (Palm Bay)
Christian · K–12 · $8,400-$10,400/yr
Brevard Academy
Independent · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr
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.