Private School Cost: Santa Rosa vs Tacoma
Tacoma averages $3,900/year less for private school (28% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $50,700 per child.
Bottom Line
Tacoma is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $13,700/year vs $17,600/year in Santa Rosa. Religious schools run $9,400/year on the low end.
Santa Rosa
CA
$17,600
avg tuition/year
Tacoma
WA
$13,700
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Santa Rosa | Tacoma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $17,600/yr | $13,700/yr | +$3,900 |
| Religious Schools | $11,400/yr | $9,400/yr | +$2,000 |
| Independent/Prep | $34,200/yr | $29,400/yr | +$4,800 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $15,000/yr | $11,600/yr | +$3,400 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $17,600/yr | $13,700/yr | +$3,900 |
| High School (9-12) | $21,100/yr | $16,400/yr | +$4,700 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Santa Rosa
$228,800
Tacoma
$178,100
Choosing Tacoma saves $50,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $101,400.
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
Tacoma
Charles Wright Academy
Independent · PK–12 · $28,400/yr
Bellarmine Preparatory School
Catholic · 9–12 · $18,400/yr
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.