Private School Cost: Orange County vs San Diego
Orange County averages $400/year less for private school (2% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $5,200 per child.
Bottom Line
Orange County is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $20,800/year vs $21,200/year in San Diego. Religious schools run $11,200/year on the low end.
Orange County
CA
$20,800
avg tuition/year
San Diego
CA
$21,200
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Orange County | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $20,800/yr | $21,200/yr | -$400 |
| Religious Schools | $11,200/yr | $11,500/yr | -$300 |
| Independent/Prep | $34,800/yr | $36,500/yr | -$1,700 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $17,000/yr | $17,500/yr | -$500 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $20,800/yr | $21,200/yr | -$400 |
| High School (9-12) | $25,500/yr | $26,000/yr | -$500 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Orange County
$270,400
San Diego
$275,600
Choosing Orange County saves $5,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $10,400.
Sample Schools
Orange County
Sage Hill School
Independent · 9–12 · $41,800/yr
Fairmont Preparatory Academy
Independent · 9–12 · $34,600-$37,200/yr
Calvary Chapel Academy
Christian · K–12 · $10,400-$12,800/yr
JSerra Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $22,400/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.