Private School Cost: Santa Rosa vs Seattle
Santa Rosa averages $6,900/year less for private school (39% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $89,700 per child.
Bottom Line
Santa Rosa is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $17,600/year vs $24,500/year in Seattle. Religious schools run $11,400/year on the low end.
Santa Rosa
CA
$17,600
avg tuition/year
Seattle
WA
$24,500
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Santa Rosa | Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $17,600/yr | $24,500/yr | -$6,900 |
| Religious Schools | $11,400/yr | $13,200/yr | -$1,800 |
| Independent/Prep | $34,200/yr | $38,000/yr | -$3,800 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $15,000/yr | $20,000/yr | -$5,000 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $17,600/yr | $24,500/yr | -$6,900 |
| High School (9-12) | $21,100/yr | $30,500/yr | -$9,400 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Santa Rosa
$228,800
Seattle
$318,500
Choosing Santa Rosa saves $89,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $179,400.
Sample Schools
Santa Rosa
Cardinal Newman High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $18,200/yr
Rincon Valley Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $10,400-$12,800/yr
Seattle
University Prep
Independent · 6–12 · $42,800/yr
Northwest School
Independent · 6–12 · $39,400/yr
Seattle Prep
Catholic · 9–12 · $21,200/yr
O'Dea High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $17,800/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.