Is private school cheaper in Pittsburgh or Seattle?

Pittsburgh has lower average private school tuition at $12,200/year vs $24,500/year in Seattle. That's $12,300/year less, or $159,900 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Pittsburgh is $12,300/year less than Seattle. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $159,900 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $7,800/year in Pittsburgh, $13,200/year in Seattle.

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

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Pittsburgh averages $12,200/year ($150 below average). Seattle averages $24,500/year ($12,150 above average).

Private School Cost: Pittsburgh vs Seattle

Pittsburgh averages $12,300/year less for private school (101% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $159,900 per child.

Bottom Line

Pittsburgh is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $12,200/year vs $24,500/year in Seattle. Religious schools run $7,800/year on the low end.

Pittsburgh

$12,200

avg tuition/year

$150 below national avg

Lower cost

Seattle

$24,500

avg tuition/year

$12,150 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Pittsburgh	Seattle	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$12,200/yr	$24,500/yr	-$12,300
Religious Schools	$7,800/yr	$13,200/yr	-$5,400
Independent/Prep	$22,800/yr	$38,000/yr	-$15,200
Elementary (K-5)	$10,000/yr	$20,000/yr	-$10,000
Middle School (6-8)	$12,200/yr	$24,500/yr	-$12,300
High School (9-12)	$15,000/yr	$30,500/yr	-$15,500

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Pittsburgh

$158,600

Seattle

$318,500

Choosing Pittsburgh saves $159,900 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $319,800.

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

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

Full Pittsburgh breakdown → Full Seattle breakdown →

Pennsylvania private school costs Washington private school costs

Related Comparisons

Seattle vs Portland → Seattle vs Denver →

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.