Private School Cost: Reno vs Seattle
Reno averages $12,700/year less for private school (108% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $165,100 per child.
Bottom Line
Reno is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $11,800/year vs $24,500/year in Seattle. Religious schools run $8,200/year on the low end.
Reno
NV
$11,800
avg tuition/year
Seattle
WA
$24,500
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Reno | Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $11,800/yr | $24,500/yr | -$12,700 |
| Religious Schools | $8,200/yr | $13,200/yr | -$5,000 |
| Independent/Prep | $23,600/yr | $38,000/yr | -$14,400 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $10,000/yr | $20,000/yr | -$10,000 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $11,800/yr | $24,500/yr | -$12,700 |
| High School (9-12) | $14,200/yr | $30,500/yr | -$16,300 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Reno
$153,400
Seattle
$318,500
Choosing Reno saves $165,100 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $330,200.
Sample Schools
Reno
The Sage Ridge School
Independent · 5–12 · $22,400/yr
Archbishop Borders School (Reno)
Catholic · K–8 · $10,800/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
Related Comparisons
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.