Private School Cost: Pittsburgh vs Reno
Reno averages $400/year less for private school (3% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $5,200 per child.
Bottom Line
Reno is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $11,800/year vs $12,200/year in Pittsburgh. Religious schools run $7,800/year on the low end.
Pittsburgh
PA
$12,200
avg tuition/year
Reno
NV
$11,800
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Pittsburgh | Reno | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $12,200/yr | $11,800/yr | +$400 |
| Religious Schools | $7,800/yr | $8,200/yr | -$400 |
| Independent/Prep | $22,800/yr | $23,600/yr | -$800 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $10,000/yr | $10,000/yr | Same |
| Middle School (6-8) | $12,200/yr | $11,800/yr | +$400 |
| High School (9-12) | $15,000/yr | $14,200/yr | +$800 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Pittsburgh
$158,600
Reno
$153,400
Choosing Reno saves $5,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $10,400.
Sample Schools
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
Reno
The Sage Ridge School
Independent · 5–12 · $22,400/yr
Archbishop Borders School (Reno)
Catholic · K–8 · $10,800/yr
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.