Private School Cost: Boston vs Salem
Salem averages $24,400/year less for private school (197% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $317,200 per child.
Bottom Line
Salem is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $12,400/year vs $36,800/year in Boston. Religious schools run $8,400/year on the low end.
Boston
MA
$36,800
avg tuition/year
Salem
OR
$12,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Boston | Salem | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $36,800/yr | $12,400/yr | +$24,400 |
| Religious Schools | $18,500/yr | $8,400/yr | +$10,100 |
| Independent/Prep | $56,000/yr | $25,000/yr | +$31,000 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $30,000/yr | $10,500/yr | +$19,500 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $36,800/yr | $12,400/yr | +$24,400 |
| High School (9-12) | $46,000/yr | $14,900/yr | +$31,100 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Boston
$478,400
Salem
$161,200
Choosing Salem saves $317,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $634,400.
Sample Schools
Boston
Boston Latin School (Exam)
Exam School (Public) · 7–12
Roxbury Latin School
Independent (need-based) · 7–12
Belmont Hill School
Independent · 7–12 · $59,800/yr
Boston College High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $23,100/yr
Salem
Salem Academy (OR)
Christian · 9–12 · $14,800/yr
Blanchet Catholic School (Salem)
Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/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.