Is private school cheaper in Atlanta or Rochester?

Atlanta has lower average private school tuition at $15,200/year vs $18,100/year in Rochester. That's $2,900/year less, or $37,700 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Atlanta over Rochester?

Average tuition in Atlanta is $2,900/year less than Rochester. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $37,700 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $9,400/year in Atlanta, $10,400/year in Rochester.

How do Atlanta and Rochester private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Atlanta averages $15,200/year ($2,850 above average). Rochester averages $18,100/year ($5,750 above average).

Private School Cost: Atlanta vs Rochester

Atlanta averages $2,900/year less for private school (19% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $37,700 per child.

Bottom Line

Atlanta is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $15,200/year vs $18,100/year in Rochester. Religious schools run $9,400/year on the low end.

Atlanta

$15,200

avg tuition/year

$2,850 above national avg

Lower cost

Rochester

$18,100

avg tuition/year

$5,750 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Atlanta	Rochester	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$15,200/yr	$18,100/yr	-$2,900
Religious Schools	$9,400/yr	$10,400/yr	-$1,000
Independent/Prep	$28,500/yr	$38,500/yr	-$10,000
Elementary (K-5)	$12,500/yr	$15,400/yr	-$2,900
Middle School (6-8)	$15,200/yr	$18,100/yr	-$2,900
High School (9-12)	$18,800/yr	$21,700/yr	-$2,900

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Atlanta

$197,600

Rochester

$235,300

Choosing Atlanta saves $37,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $75,400.

Sample Schools

Atlanta

The Westminster Schools

Independent · 1–12 · $35,800-$38,400/yr

Pace Academy

Independent · K–12 · $34,200/yr

Lovett School

Independent · K–12 · $33,600/yr

Marist School Atlanta

Catholic · 7–12 · $19,400/yr

Rochester

McQuaid Jesuit High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $16,800/yr

Allendale Columbia School

Independent · PK–12 · $22,400/yr

Full Atlanta breakdown → Full Rochester breakdown →

Georgia private school costs New York private school costs

Related Comparisons

Atlanta vs Charlotte → Nashville vs Atlanta → 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.