Is private school cheaper in Jersey City or Portland?

Portland has lower average private school tuition at $18,200/year vs $20,900/year in Jersey City. That's $2,700/year less, or $35,100 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Portland over Jersey City?

Average tuition in Portland is $2,700/year less than Jersey City. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $35,100 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $13,500/year in Jersey City, $10,400/year in Portland.

How do Jersey City and Portland private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Jersey City averages $20,900/year ($8,550 above average). Portland averages $18,200/year ($5,850 above average).

Private School Cost: Jersey City vs Portland

Portland averages $2,700/year less for private school (15% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $35,100 per child.

Bottom Line

Portland is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $18,200/year vs $20,900/year in Jersey City. Religious schools run $10,400/year on the low end.

Jersey City

$20,900

avg tuition/year

$8,550 above national avg

Portland

$18,200

avg tuition/year

$5,850 above national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Jersey City	Portland	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$20,900/yr	$18,200/yr	+$2,700
Religious Schools	$13,500/yr	$10,400/yr	+$3,100
Independent/Prep	$44,800/yr	$31,500/yr	+$13,300
Elementary (K-5)	$17,800/yr	$14,800/yr	+$3,000
Middle School (6-8)	$20,900/yr	$18,200/yr	+$2,700
High School (9-12)	$25,100/yr	$22,500/yr	+$2,600

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Jersey City

$271,700

Portland

$236,600

Choosing Portland saves $35,100 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $70,200.

Sample Schools

Jersey City

Hudson Catholic Regional High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $14,800/yr

Saint Aloysius Academy (Jersey City)

Catholic · K–8 · $10,800-$12,800/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 Jersey City breakdown → Full Portland breakdown →

New Jersey private school costs Oregon private school costs

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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.