Private School Cost: Modesto vs Phoenix
Phoenix averages $1,000/year less for private school (7% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $13,000 per child.
Bottom Line
Phoenix is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $13,400/year vs $14,400/year in Modesto. Religious schools run $8,600/year on the low end.
Modesto
CA
$14,400
avg tuition/year
Phoenix
AZ
$13,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Modesto | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $14,400/yr | $13,400/yr | +$1,000 |
| Religious Schools | $9,400/yr | $8,600/yr | +$800 |
| Independent/Prep | $28,100/yr | $24,500/yr | +$3,600 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $12,200/yr | $11,000/yr | +$1,200 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $14,400/yr | $13,400/yr | +$1,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $17,300/yr | $16,500/yr | +$800 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Modesto
$187,200
Phoenix
$174,200
Choosing Phoenix saves $13,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $26,000.
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
Phoenix
Brophy College Preparatory
Catholic · 9–12 · $17,800/yr
Xavier College Preparatory
Catholic · 9–12 · $17,400/yr
Scottsdale Preparatory Academy
Independent · 6–12 · $12,800-$14,200/yr
Notre Dame Preparatory High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $16,200/yr
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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.