Private School Cost: San Diego vs Springfield
Springfield averages $13,500/year less for private school (175% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $175,500 per child.
Bottom Line
Springfield is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $7,700/year vs $21,200/year in San Diego. Religious schools run $5,500/year on the low end.
San Diego
CA
$21,200
avg tuition/year
Springfield
MO
$7,700
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | San Diego | Springfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $21,200/yr | $7,700/yr | +$13,500 |
| Religious Schools | $11,500/yr | $5,500/yr | +$6,000 |
| Independent/Prep | $36,500/yr | $18,000/yr | +$18,500 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $17,500/yr | $6,500/yr | +$11,000 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $21,200/yr | $7,700/yr | +$13,500 |
| High School (9-12) | $26,000/yr | $9,200/yr | +$16,800 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
San Diego
$275,600
Springfield
$100,100
Choosing Springfield saves $175,500 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $351,000.
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
Springfield
Greenwood Laboratory School (Springfield MO)
Independent · PK–12 · $8,800-$11,200/yr
St. Agnes Cathedral School
Catholic · K–8 · $7,800-$9,600/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.