Private School Cost: Buffalo vs Seattle
Buffalo averages $6,000/year less for private school (32% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $78,000 per child.
Bottom Line
Buffalo is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $18,500/year vs $24,500/year in Seattle. Religious schools run $10,600/year on the low end.
Buffalo
NY
$18,500
avg tuition/year
Seattle
WA
$24,500
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Buffalo | Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $18,500/yr | $24,500/yr | -$6,000 |
| Religious Schools | $10,600/yr | $13,200/yr | -$2,600 |
| Independent/Prep | $39,400/yr | $38,000/yr | +$1,400 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $15,700/yr | $20,000/yr | -$4,300 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $18,500/yr | $24,500/yr | -$6,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $22,200/yr | $30,500/yr | -$8,300 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Buffalo
$240,500
Seattle
$318,500
Choosing Buffalo saves $78,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $156,000.
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
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
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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.