Is private school cheaper in San Bernardino or Topeka?

Topeka has lower average private school tuition at $6,900/year vs $13,800/year in San Bernardino. That's $6,900/year less, or $89,700 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Topeka over San Bernardino?

Average tuition in Topeka is $6,900/year less than San Bernardino. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $89,700 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $9,000/year in San Bernardino, $4,800/year in Topeka.

How do San Bernardino and Topeka private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. San Bernardino averages $13,800/year ($1,450 above average). Topeka averages $6,900/year ($5,450 below average).

Private School Cost: San Bernardino vs Topeka

Topeka averages $6,900/year less for private school (100% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $89,700 per child.

Bottom Line

Topeka is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,900/year vs $13,800/year in San Bernardino. Religious schools run $4,800/year on the low end.

San Bernardino

$13,800

avg tuition/year

$1,450 above national avg

Topeka

$6,900

avg tuition/year

$5,450 below national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	San Bernardino	Topeka	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$13,800/yr	$6,900/yr	+$6,900
Religious Schools	$9,000/yr	$4,800/yr	+$4,200
Independent/Prep	$26,800/yr	$14,300/yr	+$12,500
Elementary (K-5)	$11,700/yr	$5,900/yr	+$5,800
Middle School (6-8)	$13,800/yr	$6,900/yr	+$6,900
High School (9-12)	$16,600/yr	$8,300/yr	+$8,300

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

San Bernardino

$179,400

Topeka

$89,700

Choosing Topeka saves $89,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $179,400.

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

Topeka

Topeka Collegiate School

Independent · K–8 · $12,400/yr

Hayden Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $9,400/yr

Full San Bernardino breakdown → Full Topeka breakdown →

California private school costs Kansas private school costs

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.