Private School Cost: Kansas City vs Missoula
Missoula averages $4,800/year less for private school (60% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $62,400 per child.
Bottom Line
Missoula is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,000/year vs $12,800/year in Kansas City. Religious schools run $5,400/year on the low end.
Kansas City
MO
$12,800
avg tuition/year
Missoula
MT
$8,000
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Kansas City | Missoula | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $12,800/yr | $8,000/yr | +$4,800 |
| Religious Schools | $8,200/yr | $5,400/yr | +$2,800 |
| Independent/Prep | $24,000/yr | $15,500/yr | +$8,500 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $10,400/yr | $6,800/yr | +$3,600 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $12,800/yr | $8,000/yr | +$4,800 |
| High School (9-12) | $15,800/yr | $9,600/yr | +$6,200 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Kansas City
$166,400
Missoula
$104,000
Choosing Missoula saves $62,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $124,800.
Sample Schools
Kansas City
Pembroke Hill School
Independent · PK–12 · $24,800-$26,400/yr
Rockhurst High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $16,200/yr
Bishop Miege High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $14,200/yr
St. Teresa's Academy (KC)
Catholic · 9–12 · $13,800/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
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.