Is private school cheaper in San Diego or Washington DC?

San Diego has lower average private school tuition at $21,200/year vs $28,400/year in Washington DC. That's $7,200/year less, or $93,600 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing San Diego over Washington DC?

Average tuition in San Diego is $7,200/year less than Washington DC. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $93,600 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $11,500/year in San Diego, $15,200/year in Washington DC.

How do San Diego and Washington DC private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. San Diego averages $21,200/year ($8,850 above average). Washington DC averages $28,400/year ($16,050 above average).

Private School Cost: San Diego vs Washington DC

San Diego averages $7,200/year less for private school (34% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $93,600 per child.

Bottom Line

San Diego is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $21,200/year vs $28,400/year in Washington DC. Religious schools run $11,500/year on the low end.

San Diego

$21,200

avg tuition/year

$8,850 above national avg

Lower cost

Washington DC

$28,400

avg tuition/year

$16,050 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	San Diego	Washington DC	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$21,200/yr	$28,400/yr	-$7,200
Religious Schools	$11,500/yr	$15,200/yr	-$3,700
Independent/Prep	$36,500/yr	$46,000/yr	-$9,500
Elementary (K-5)	$17,500/yr	$23,000/yr	-$5,500
Middle School (6-8)	$21,200/yr	$28,400/yr	-$7,200
High School (9-12)	$26,000/yr	$35,500/yr	-$9,500

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

San Diego

$275,600

Washington DC

$369,200

Choosing San Diego saves $93,600 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $187,200.

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

Washington DC

Sidwell Friends School

Independent (Quaker) · PK–12 · $52,900/yr

Georgetown Day School

Independent · PK–12 · $51,400/yr

National Cathedral School

Independent · 4–12 · $50,200/yr

Gonzaga College High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $25,400/yr

Full San Diego breakdown → Full Washington DC breakdown →

California private school costs District of Columbia private school costs

Related Comparisons

Los Angeles vs San Diego → Washington DC vs Atlanta →

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.