Private School Cost: San Bernardino vs Santa Rosa
San Bernardino averages $3,800/year less for private school (28% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $49,400 per child.
Bottom Line
San Bernardino is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $13,800/year vs $17,600/year in Santa Rosa. Religious schools run $9,000/year on the low end.
San Bernardino
CA
$13,800
avg tuition/year
Santa Rosa
CA
$17,600
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | San Bernardino | Santa Rosa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $13,800/yr | $17,600/yr | -$3,800 |
| Religious Schools | $9,000/yr | $11,400/yr | -$2,400 |
| Independent/Prep | $26,800/yr | $34,200/yr | -$7,400 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $11,700/yr | $15,000/yr | -$3,300 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $13,800/yr | $17,600/yr | -$3,800 |
| High School (9-12) | $16,600/yr | $21,100/yr | -$4,500 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
San Bernardino
$179,400
Santa Rosa
$228,800
Choosing San Bernardino saves $49,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $98,800.
Sample Schools
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
Santa Rosa
Cardinal Newman High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $18,200/yr
Rincon Valley Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $10,400-$12,800/yr
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.