Is private school cheaper in Buffalo or Spokane?

Spokane has lower average private school tuition at $12,800/year vs $18,500/year in Buffalo. That's $5,700/year less, or $74,100 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Spokane is $5,700/year less than Buffalo. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $74,100 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $10,600/year in Buffalo, $8,700/year in Spokane.

How do Buffalo and Spokane 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). Spokane averages $12,800/year ($450 above average).

Private School Cost: Buffalo vs Spokane

Spokane averages $5,700/year less for private school (45% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $74,100 per child.

Bottom Line

Spokane is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $12,800/year vs $18,500/year in Buffalo. Religious schools run $8,700/year on the low end.

Buffalo

$18,500

avg tuition/year

$6,150 above national avg

Spokane

$12,800

avg tuition/year

$450 above national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Buffalo	Spokane	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$18,500/yr	$12,800/yr	+$5,700
Religious Schools	$10,600/yr	$8,700/yr	+$1,900
Independent/Prep	$39,400/yr	$27,400/yr	+$12,000
Elementary (K-5)	$15,700/yr	$10,900/yr	+$4,800
Middle School (6-8)	$18,500/yr	$12,800/yr	+$5,700
High School (9-12)	$22,200/yr	$15,400/yr	+$6,800

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Buffalo

$240,500

Spokane

$166,400

Choosing Spokane saves $74,100 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $148,200.

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

Spokane

Gonzaga Preparatory School

Catholic · 9–12 · $13,400/yr

Spokane Christian Academy

Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr

Full Buffalo breakdown → Full Spokane breakdown →

New York private school costs Washington private school costs

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.