Is private school cheaper in Des Moines or Missoula?

Des Moines has lower average private school tuition at $6,900/year vs $8,000/year in Missoula. That's $1,100/year less, or $14,300 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Des Moines over Missoula?

Average tuition in Des Moines is $1,100/year less than Missoula. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $14,300 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $4,800/year in Des Moines, $5,400/year in Missoula.

How do Des Moines and Missoula private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Des Moines averages $6,900/year ($5,450 below average). Missoula averages $8,000/year ($4,350 below average).

Private School Cost: Des Moines vs Missoula

Des Moines averages $1,100/year less for private school (16% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $14,300 per child.

Bottom Line

Des Moines is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,900/year vs $8,000/year in Missoula. Religious schools run $4,800/year on the low end.

Des Moines

$6,900

avg tuition/year

$5,450 below national avg

Lower cost

Missoula

$8,000

avg tuition/year

$4,350 below national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Des Moines	Missoula	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$6,900/yr	$8,000/yr	-$1,100
Religious Schools	$4,800/yr	$5,400/yr	-$600
Independent/Prep	$14,400/yr	$15,500/yr	-$1,100
Elementary (K-5)	$5,900/yr	$6,800/yr	-$900
Middle School (6-8)	$6,900/yr	$8,000/yr	-$1,100
High School (9-12)	$8,300/yr	$9,600/yr	-$1,300

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Des Moines

$89,700

Missoula

$104,000

Choosing Des Moines saves $14,300 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $28,600.

Sample Schools

Des Moines

Dowling Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $10,400/yr

Des Moines Christian School

Christian · PK–12 · $9,600-$12,000/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

Full Des Moines breakdown → Full Missoula breakdown →

Iowa private school costs Montana 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.