Private School Cost: San Diego vs West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach averages $9,900/year less for private school (88% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $128,700 per child.
Bottom Line
West Palm Beach is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $11,300/year vs $21,200/year in San Diego. Religious schools run $7,800/year on the low end.
San Diego
CA
$21,200
avg tuition/year
West Palm Beach
FL
$11,300
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | San Diego | West Palm Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $21,200/yr | $11,300/yr | +$9,900 |
| Religious Schools | $11,500/yr | $7,800/yr | +$3,700 |
| Independent/Prep | $36,500/yr | $23,200/yr | +$13,300 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $17,500/yr | $9,600/yr | +$7,900 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $21,200/yr | $11,300/yr | +$9,900 |
| High School (9-12) | $26,000/yr | $13,600/yr | +$12,400 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
San Diego
$275,600
West Palm Beach
$146,900
Choosing West Palm Beach saves $128,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $257,400.
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
West Palm Beach
Palm Beach Day Academy
Independent · PK–8 · $32,400/yr
Cardinal Newman High School (WPB)
Catholic · 9–12 · $15,200/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.