Private School Cost: Allentown vs Missoula
Missoula averages $5,000/year less for private school (63% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $65,000 per child.
Bottom Line
Missoula is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,000/year vs $13,000/year in Allentown. Religious schools run $5,400/year on the low end.
Allentown
PA
$13,000
avg tuition/year
Missoula
MT
$8,000
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Allentown | Missoula | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $13,000/yr | $8,000/yr | +$5,000 |
| Religious Schools | $8,300/yr | $5,400/yr | +$2,900 |
| Independent/Prep | $30,200/yr | $15,500/yr | +$14,700 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $11,100/yr | $6,800/yr | +$4,300 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $13,000/yr | $8,000/yr | +$5,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $15,600/yr | $9,600/yr | +$6,000 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Allentown
$169,000
Missoula
$104,000
Choosing Missoula saves $65,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $130,000.
Sample Schools
Allentown
Lehigh Valley Academy (Allentown)
Independent · K–12 · $10,800-$13,400/yr
Central Catholic High School (Allentown)
Catholic · 9–12 · $14,400/yr
Missoula
Loyola Sacred Heart High School (Missoula)
Catholic · 9–12 · $9,200/yr
Montana Academy (Missoula area)
Independent (Therapeutic) · 9–12 · $44,800-$52,000/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.