Is private school cheaper in Boise or Meridian?

Meridian has lower average private school tuition at $7,800/year vs $8,000/year in Boise. That's $200/year less, or $2,600 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Meridian over Boise?

Average tuition in Meridian is $200/year less than Boise. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $2,600 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $5,500/year in Boise, $5,300/year in Meridian.

How do Boise and Meridian private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Boise averages $8,000/year ($4,350 below average). Meridian averages $7,800/year ($4,550 below average).

Private School Cost: Boise vs Meridian

Meridian averages $200/year less for private school (3% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $2,600 per child.

Bottom Line

Meridian is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $7,800/year vs $8,000/year in Boise. Religious schools run $5,300/year on the low end.

Boise

$8,000

avg tuition/year

$4,350 below national avg

Meridian

$7,800

avg tuition/year

$4,550 below national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Boise	Meridian	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$8,000/yr	$7,800/yr	+$200
Religious Schools	$5,500/yr	$5,300/yr	+$200
Independent/Prep	$15,500/yr	$15,100/yr	+$400
Elementary (K-5)	$6,800/yr	$6,600/yr	+$200
Middle School (6-8)	$8,000/yr	$7,800/yr	+$200
High School (9-12)	$9,600/yr	$9,400/yr	+$200

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Boise

$104,000

Meridian

$101,400

Choosing Meridian saves $2,600 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $5,200.

Sample Schools

Boise

The Ambrose School (Boise)

Christian Classical · PK–12 · $12,200-$14,800/yr

Boise Christian School

Christian · K–12 · $9,400-$11,800/yr

Meridian

Nampa Christian Schools

Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr

Victory Charter School (Meridian)

Independent · K–12 · $8,400-$10,400/yr

Full Boise breakdown → Full Meridian breakdown →

Idaho private school costs

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.