Is private school cheaper in Portland or San Diego?

Portland has lower average private school tuition at $18,200/year vs $21,200/year in San Diego. That's $3,000/year less, or $39,000 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Portland over San Diego?

Average tuition in Portland is $3,000/year less than San Diego. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $39,000 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $10,400/year in Portland, $11,500/year in San Diego.

How do Portland and San Diego private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Portland averages $18,200/year ($5,850 above average). San Diego averages $21,200/year ($8,850 above average).

Private School Cost: Portland vs San Diego

Portland averages $3,000/year less for private school (16% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $39,000 per child.

Bottom Line

Portland is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $18,200/year vs $21,200/year in San Diego. Religious schools run $10,400/year on the low end.

Portland

$18,200

avg tuition/year

$5,850 above national avg

Lower cost

San Diego

$21,200

avg tuition/year

$8,850 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Portland	San Diego	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$18,200/yr	$21,200/yr	-$3,000
Religious Schools	$10,400/yr	$11,500/yr	-$1,100
Independent/Prep	$31,500/yr	$36,500/yr	-$5,000
Elementary (K-5)	$14,800/yr	$17,500/yr	-$2,700
Middle School (6-8)	$18,200/yr	$21,200/yr	-$3,000
High School (9-12)	$22,500/yr	$26,000/yr	-$3,500

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Portland

$236,600

San Diego

$275,600

Choosing Portland saves $39,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $78,000.

Sample Schools

Portland

Catlin Gabel School

Independent · PK–12 · $38,400-$41,200/yr

Oregon Episcopal School

Independent · PK–12 · $34,800/yr

Jesuit High School (Portland)

Catholic · 9–12 · $19,200/yr

Central Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $14,800/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

Full Portland breakdown → Full San Diego breakdown →

Oregon private school costs California private school costs

Related Comparisons

Los Angeles vs San Diego → Seattle vs Portland →

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.