Private School Cost: San Diego vs Seattle
San Diego averages $3,300/year less for private school (16% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $42,900 per child.
Bottom Line
San Diego is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $21,200/year vs $24,500/year in Seattle. Religious schools run $11,500/year on the low end.
San Diego
CA
$21,200
avg tuition/year
Seattle
WA
$24,500
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | San Diego | Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $21,200/yr | $24,500/yr | -$3,300 |
| Religious Schools | $11,500/yr | $13,200/yr | -$1,700 |
| Independent/Prep | $36,500/yr | $38,000/yr | -$1,500 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $17,500/yr | $20,000/yr | -$2,500 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $21,200/yr | $24,500/yr | -$3,300 |
| High School (9-12) | $26,000/yr | $30,500/yr | -$4,500 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
San Diego
$275,600
Seattle
$318,500
Choosing San Diego saves $42,900 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $85,800.
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
Seattle
University Prep
Independent · 6–12 · $42,800/yr
Northwest School
Independent · 6–12 · $39,400/yr
Seattle Prep
Catholic · 9–12 · $21,200/yr
O'Dea High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $17,800/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.