Is private school cheaper in Philadelphia or Rochester?

Rochester has lower average private school tuition at $18,100/year vs $20,200/year in Philadelphia. That's $2,100/year less, or $27,300 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Rochester is $2,100/year less than Philadelphia. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $27,300 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $11,400/year in Philadelphia, $10,400/year in Rochester.

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

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Philadelphia averages $20,200/year ($7,850 above average). Rochester averages $18,100/year ($5,750 above average).

Private School Cost: Philadelphia vs Rochester

Rochester averages $2,100/year less for private school (12% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $27,300 per child.

Bottom Line

Rochester is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $18,100/year vs $20,200/year in Philadelphia. Religious schools run $10,400/year on the low end.

Philadelphia

$20,200

avg tuition/year

$7,850 above national avg

Rochester

$18,100

avg tuition/year

$5,750 above national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Philadelphia	Rochester	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$20,200/yr	$18,100/yr	+$2,100
Religious Schools	$11,400/yr	$10,400/yr	+$1,000
Independent/Prep	$36,000/yr	$38,500/yr	-$2,500
Elementary (K-5)	$16,500/yr	$15,400/yr	+$1,100
Middle School (6-8)	$20,200/yr	$18,100/yr	+$2,100
High School (9-12)	$25,000/yr	$21,700/yr	+$3,300

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Philadelphia

$262,600

Rochester

$235,300

Choosing Rochester saves $27,300 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $54,600.

Sample Schools

Philadelphia

Episcopal Academy

Independent · PK–12 · $40,800-$43,200/yr

The Haverford School

Independent · PK–12 · $41,200/yr

Germantown Friends School

Independent (Quaker) · K–12 · $38,600/yr

La Salle College High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $19,200/yr

Rochester

McQuaid Jesuit High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $16,800/yr

Allendale Columbia School

Independent · PK–12 · $22,400/yr

Full Philadelphia breakdown → Full Rochester breakdown →

Pennsylvania private school costs New York private school costs

Related Comparisons

New York vs Philadelphia → Boston vs Philadelphia →

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.