Is private school cheaper in Des Moines or West Valley City?

Des Moines has lower average private school tuition at $6,900/year vs $8,500/year in West Valley City. That's $1,600/year less, or $20,800 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Des Moines over West Valley City?

Average tuition in Des Moines is $1,600/year less than West Valley City. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $20,800 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $4,800/year in Des Moines, $5,900/year in West Valley City.

How do Des Moines and West Valley City 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). West Valley City averages $8,500/year ($3,850 below average).

Private School Cost: Des Moines vs West Valley City

Des Moines averages $1,600/year less for private school (23% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $20,800 per child.

Bottom Line

Des Moines is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,900/year vs $8,500/year in West Valley City. Religious schools run $4,800/year on the low end.

Des Moines

$6,900

avg tuition/year

$5,450 below national avg

Lower cost

West Valley City

$8,500

avg tuition/year

$3,850 below national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Des Moines	West Valley City	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$6,900/yr	$8,500/yr	-$1,600
Religious Schools	$4,800/yr	$5,900/yr	-$1,100
Independent/Prep	$14,400/yr	$16,900/yr	-$2,500
Elementary (K-5)	$5,900/yr	$7,200/yr	-$1,300
Middle School (6-8)	$6,900/yr	$8,500/yr	-$1,600
High School (9-12)	$8,300/yr	$10,200/yr	-$1,900

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Des Moines

$89,700

West Valley City

$110,500

Choosing Des Moines saves $20,800 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $41,600.

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

West Valley City

Merit Preparatory Academy

Independent · K–12 · $8,600-$10,800/yr

Blessed Sacrament School (Salt Lake)

Catholic · K–8 · $8,200-$10,000/yr

Full Des Moines breakdown → Full West Valley City 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.