Private School Cost: San Diego vs Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa averages $3,600/year less for private school (20% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $46,800 per child.
Bottom Line
Santa Rosa is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $17,600/year vs $21,200/year in San Diego. Religious schools run $11,400/year on the low end.
San Diego
CA
$21,200
avg tuition/year
Santa Rosa
CA
$17,600
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | San Diego | Santa Rosa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $21,200/yr | $17,600/yr | +$3,600 |
| Religious Schools | $11,500/yr | $11,400/yr | +$100 |
| Independent/Prep | $36,500/yr | $34,200/yr | +$2,300 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $17,500/yr | $15,000/yr | +$2,500 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $21,200/yr | $17,600/yr | +$3,600 |
| High School (9-12) | $26,000/yr | $21,100/yr | +$4,900 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
San Diego
$275,600
Santa Rosa
$228,800
Choosing Santa Rosa saves $46,800 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $93,600.
Sample Schools
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
Santa Rosa
Cardinal Newman High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $18,200/yr
Rincon Valley Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $10,400-$12,800/yr
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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.