Private School Cost: San Diego vs St. Louis
St. Louis averages $8,200/year less for private school (63% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $106,600 per child.
Bottom Line
St. Louis is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $13,000/year vs $21,200/year in San Diego. Religious schools run $8,400/year on the low end.
San Diego
CA
$21,200
avg tuition/year
St. Louis
MO
$13,000
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | San Diego | St. Louis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $21,200/yr | $13,000/yr | +$8,200 |
| Religious Schools | $11,500/yr | $8,400/yr | +$3,100 |
| Independent/Prep | $36,500/yr | $24,500/yr | +$12,000 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $17,500/yr | $10,600/yr | +$6,900 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $21,200/yr | $13,000/yr | +$8,200 |
| High School (9-12) | $26,000/yr | $16,000/yr | +$10,000 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
San Diego
$275,600
St. Louis
$169,000
Choosing St. Louis saves $106,600 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $213,200.
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
St. Louis
John Burroughs School
Independent · 7–12 · $28,400-$30,800/yr
MICDS (Mary Institute and Country Day School)
Independent · JK–12 · $30,200-$32,800/yr
Chaminade College Preparatory
Catholic · 6–12 · $16,800/yr
St. Louis University High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $17,400/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.