Private School Cost: San Diego vs Topeka
Topeka averages $14,300/year less for private school (207% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $185,900 per child.
Bottom Line
Topeka is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,900/year vs $21,200/year in San Diego. Religious schools run $4,800/year on the low end.
San Diego
CA
$21,200
avg tuition/year
Topeka
KS
$6,900
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | San Diego | Topeka | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $21,200/yr | $6,900/yr | +$14,300 |
| Religious Schools | $11,500/yr | $4,800/yr | +$6,700 |
| Independent/Prep | $36,500/yr | $14,300/yr | +$22,200 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $17,500/yr | $5,900/yr | +$11,600 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $21,200/yr | $6,900/yr | +$14,300 |
| High School (9-12) | $26,000/yr | $8,300/yr | +$17,700 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
San Diego
$275,600
Topeka
$89,700
Choosing Topeka saves $185,900 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $371,800.
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
Topeka
Topeka Collegiate School
Independent · K–8 · $12,400/yr
Hayden Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $9,400/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.