Is private school cheaper in Des Moines or Portland?

Des Moines has lower average private school tuition at $6,900/year vs $18,200/year in Portland. That's $11,300/year less, or $146,900 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Des Moines is $11,300/year less than Portland. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $146,900 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $4,800/year in Des Moines, $10,400/year in Portland.

How do Des Moines and Portland 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). Portland averages $18,200/year ($5,850 above average).

Private School Cost: Des Moines vs Portland

Des Moines averages $11,300/year less for private school (164% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $146,900 per child.

Bottom Line

Des Moines is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,900/year vs $18,200/year in Portland. Religious schools run $4,800/year on the low end.

Des Moines

$6,900

avg tuition/year

$5,450 below national avg

Lower cost

Portland

$18,200

avg tuition/year

$5,850 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Des Moines	Portland	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$6,900/yr	$18,200/yr	-$11,300
Religious Schools	$4,800/yr	$10,400/yr	-$5,600
Independent/Prep	$14,400/yr	$31,500/yr	-$17,100
Elementary (K-5)	$5,900/yr	$14,800/yr	-$8,900
Middle School (6-8)	$6,900/yr	$18,200/yr	-$11,300
High School (9-12)	$8,300/yr	$22,500/yr	-$14,200

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Des Moines

$89,700

Portland

$236,600

Choosing Des Moines saves $146,900 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $293,800.

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

Portland

Catlin Gabel School

Independent · PK–12 · $38,400-$41,200/yr

Oregon Episcopal School

Independent · PK–12 · $34,800/yr

Jesuit High School (Portland)

Catholic · 9–12 · $19,200/yr

Central Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $14,800/yr

Full Des Moines breakdown → Full Portland breakdown →

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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.