Private School Cost: Tucson vs Visalia
Tucson averages $3,000/year less for private school (28% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $39,000 per child.
Bottom Line
Tucson is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $10,800/year vs $13,800/year in Visalia. Religious schools run $7,200/year on the low end.
Tucson
AZ
$10,800
avg tuition/year
Visalia
CA
$13,800
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Tucson | Visalia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $10,800/yr | $13,800/yr | -$3,000 |
| Religious Schools | $7,200/yr | $9,000/yr | -$1,800 |
| Independent/Prep | $20,500/yr | $26,800/yr | -$6,300 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $8,800/yr | $11,700/yr | -$2,900 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $10,800/yr | $13,800/yr | -$3,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $13,400/yr | $16,600/yr | -$3,200 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Tucson
$140,400
Visalia
$179,400
Choosing Tucson saves $39,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $78,000.
Sample Schools
Tucson
Basis Tucson North
Charter (Free) · 5–12
Salpointe Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/yr
Pusch Ridge Christian Academy
Christian · K–12 · $10,200-$11,800/yr
Tanque Verde School
Public District · K–12
Visalia
Redwood High School (Catholic)
Catholic · 9–12 · $11,200/yr
Valley Christian School (Visalia)
Christian · K–12 · $8,800-$10,400/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.