Is private school cheaper in Buffalo or Portland?

Portland has lower average private school tuition at $18,200/year vs $18,500/year in Buffalo. That's $300/year less, or $3,900 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Portland over Buffalo?

Average tuition in Portland is $300/year less than Buffalo. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $3,900 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $10,600/year in Buffalo, $10,400/year in Portland.

How do Buffalo and Portland private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Buffalo averages $18,500/year ($6,150 above average). Portland averages $18,200/year ($5,850 above average).

Private School Cost: Buffalo vs Portland

Portland averages $300/year less for private school (2% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $3,900 per child.

Bottom Line

Portland is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $18,200/year vs $18,500/year in Buffalo. Religious schools run $10,400/year on the low end.

Buffalo

$18,500

avg tuition/year

$6,150 above national avg

Portland

$18,200

avg tuition/year

$5,850 above national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Buffalo	Portland	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$18,500/yr	$18,200/yr	+$300
Religious Schools	$10,600/yr	$10,400/yr	+$200
Independent/Prep	$39,400/yr	$31,500/yr	+$7,900
Elementary (K-5)	$15,700/yr	$14,800/yr	+$900
Middle School (6-8)	$18,500/yr	$18,200/yr	+$300
High School (9-12)	$22,200/yr	$22,500/yr	-$300

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Buffalo

$240,500

Portland

$236,600

Choosing Portland saves $3,900 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $7,800.

Sample Schools

Buffalo

Canisius High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $16,200/yr

Buffalo Seminary

Independent · 7–12 · $22,400/yr

Nardin Academy

Catholic · PK–12 · $16,800/yr

Portland

Catlin Gabel School

Independent · PK–12 · $38,400-$41,200/yr

Oregon Episcopal School

Independent · PK–12 · $34,800/yr

Jesuit High School (Portland)

Catholic · 9–12 · $19,200/yr

Central Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $14,800/yr

Full Buffalo breakdown → Full Portland breakdown →

New York private school costs Oregon private school costs

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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.