Is private school cheaper in Modesto or Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh has lower average private school tuition at $12,200/year vs $14,400/year in Modesto. That's $2,200/year less, or $28,600 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Pittsburgh over Modesto?

Average tuition in Pittsburgh is $2,200/year less than Modesto. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $28,600 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $9,400/year in Modesto, $7,800/year in Pittsburgh.

How do Modesto and Pittsburgh private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Modesto averages $14,400/year ($2,050 above average). Pittsburgh averages $12,200/year ($150 below average).

Private School Cost: Modesto vs Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh averages $2,200/year less for private school (18% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $28,600 per child.

Bottom Line

Pittsburgh is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $12,200/year vs $14,400/year in Modesto. Religious schools run $7,800/year on the low end.

Modesto

$14,400

avg tuition/year

$2,050 above national avg

Pittsburgh

$12,200

avg tuition/year

$150 below national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Modesto	Pittsburgh	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$14,400/yr	$12,200/yr	+$2,200
Religious Schools	$9,400/yr	$7,800/yr	+$1,600
Independent/Prep	$28,100/yr	$22,800/yr	+$5,300
Elementary (K-5)	$12,200/yr	$10,000/yr	+$2,200
Middle School (6-8)	$14,400/yr	$12,200/yr	+$2,200
High School (9-12)	$17,300/yr	$15,000/yr	+$2,300

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Modesto

$187,200

Pittsburgh

$158,600

Choosing Pittsburgh saves $28,600 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $57,200.

Sample Schools

Modesto

Central Catholic High School (Modesto)

Catholic · 9–12 · $11,200/yr

Modesto Christian School

Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr

Pittsburgh

Shady Side Academy

Independent · PK–12 · $27,800-$29,400/yr

Winchester Thurston School

Independent · PK–12 · $25,200-$27,600/yr

Central Catholic High School (Pittsburgh)

Catholic · 9–12 · $13,400/yr

North Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $11,800/yr

Full Modesto breakdown → Full Pittsburgh breakdown →

California private school costs Pennsylvania 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.