Is private school cheaper in New York City or San Bernardino?

San Bernardino has lower average private school tuition at $13,800/year vs $38,500/year in New York City. That's $24,700/year less, or $321,100 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in San Bernardino is $24,700/year less than New York City. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $321,100 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $17,500/year in New York City, $9,000/year in San Bernardino.

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

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. New York City averages $38,500/year ($26,150 above average). San Bernardino averages $13,800/year ($1,450 above average).

Private School Cost: New York City vs San Bernardino

San Bernardino averages $24,700/year less for private school (179% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $321,100 per child.

Bottom Line

San Bernardino is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $13,800/year vs $38,500/year in New York City. Religious schools run $9,000/year on the low end.

New York City

$38,500

avg tuition/year

$26,150 above national avg

San Bernardino

$13,800

avg tuition/year

$1,450 above national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	New York City	San Bernardino	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$38,500/yr	$13,800/yr	+$24,700
Religious Schools	$17,500/yr	$9,000/yr	+$8,500
Independent/Prep	$58,000/yr	$26,800/yr	+$31,200
Elementary (K-5)	$32,000/yr	$11,700/yr	+$20,300
Middle School (6-8)	$38,500/yr	$13,800/yr	+$24,700
High School (9-12)	$48,000/yr	$16,600/yr	+$31,400

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

New York City

$500,500

San Bernardino

$179,400

Choosing San Bernardino saves $321,100 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $642,200.

Sample Schools

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

San Bernardino

Our Lady of the Assumption School

Catholic · PK–8 · $8,400-$10,200/yr

San Bernardino Christian School

Christian · K–12 · $7,800-$9,200/yr

Full New York City breakdown → Full San Bernardino breakdown →

New York private school costs California private school costs

Related Comparisons

New York vs Boston → New York vs Philadelphia → New York vs Chicago → New York vs Houston →

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.