Private School Cost: San Diego vs Stamford
San Diego averages $8,700/year less for private school (41% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $113,100 per child.
Bottom Line
San Diego is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $21,200/year vs $29,900/year in Stamford. Religious schools run $11,500/year on the low end.
San Diego
CA
$21,200
avg tuition/year
Stamford
CT
$29,900
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | San Diego | Stamford | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $21,200/yr | $29,900/yr | -$8,700 |
| Religious Schools | $11,500/yr | $16,500/yr | -$5,000 |
| Independent/Prep | $36,500/yr | $59,500/yr | -$23,000 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $17,500/yr | $25,400/yr | -$7,900 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $21,200/yr | $29,900/yr | -$8,700 |
| High School (9-12) | $26,000/yr | $35,900/yr | -$9,900 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
San Diego
$275,600
Stamford
$388,700
Choosing San Diego saves $113,100 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $226,200.
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
Stamford
King School (Stamford)
Independent · PK–12 · $47,800/yr
Bi-Cultural Day School
Independent (Jewish) · K–8 · $26,400/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.