Private School Cost: New Haven vs San Diego
San Diego averages $1,200/year less for private school (6% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $15,600 per child.
Bottom Line
San Diego is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $21,200/year vs $22,400/year in New Haven. Religious schools run $11,500/year on the low end.
New Haven
CT
$22,400
avg tuition/year
San Diego
CA
$21,200
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | New Haven | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $22,400/yr | $21,200/yr | +$1,200 |
| Religious Schools | $12,400/yr | $11,500/yr | +$900 |
| Independent/Prep | $44,600/yr | $36,500/yr | +$8,100 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $19,000/yr | $17,500/yr | +$1,500 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $22,400/yr | $21,200/yr | +$1,200 |
| High School (9-12) | $26,900/yr | $26,000/yr | +$900 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
New Haven
$291,200
San Diego
$275,600
Choosing San Diego saves $15,600 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $31,200.
Sample Schools
New Haven
Hopkins School (New Haven)
Independent · 7–12 · $43,200/yr
Sacred Heart Academy (Hamden)
Catholic · 9–12 · $18,400/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.