Is private school cheaper in Pittsburgh or Tampa?

Pittsburgh has lower average private school tuition at $12,200/year vs $12,500/year in Tampa. That's $300/year less, or $3,900 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Pittsburgh is $300/year less than Tampa. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $3,900 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $7,800/year in Pittsburgh, $8,200/year in Tampa.

How do Pittsburgh and Tampa 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). Tampa averages $12,500/year ($150 above average).

Private School Cost: Pittsburgh vs Tampa

Pittsburgh averages $300/year less for private school (2% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $3,900 per child.

Bottom Line

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

Pittsburgh

$12,200

avg tuition/year

$150 below national avg

Lower cost

Tampa

$12,500

avg tuition/year

$150 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Pittsburgh	Tampa	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$12,200/yr	$12,500/yr	-$300
Religious Schools	$7,800/yr	$8,200/yr	-$400
Independent/Prep	$22,800/yr	$23,500/yr	-$700
Elementary (K-5)	$10,000/yr	$10,200/yr	-$200
Middle School (6-8)	$12,200/yr	$12,500/yr	-$300
High School (9-12)	$15,000/yr	$15,500/yr	-$500

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Pittsburgh

$158,600

Tampa

$162,500

Choosing Pittsburgh saves $3,900 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $7,800.

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

Tampa

Academy at the Lakes

Independent · PK–12 · $23,800-$26,200/yr

Jesuit High School (Tampa)

Catholic · 9–12 · $16,800/yr

Berkeley Preparatory School

Independent · PK–12 · $27,200-$29,800/yr

Tampa Prep

Independent · 6–12 · $22,400-$24,200/yr

Full Pittsburgh breakdown → Full Tampa breakdown →

Pennsylvania private school costs Florida private school costs

Related Comparisons

Miami vs Tampa → Tampa vs Orlando →

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.