Private School Cost: Meridian vs Portland
Meridian averages $10,400/year less for private school (133% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $135,200 per child.
Bottom Line
Meridian is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $7,800/year vs $18,200/year in Portland. Religious schools run $5,300/year on the low end.
Meridian
ID
$7,800
avg tuition/year
Portland
OR
$18,200
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Meridian | Portland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $7,800/yr | $18,200/yr | -$10,400 |
| Religious Schools | $5,300/yr | $10,400/yr | -$5,100 |
| Independent/Prep | $15,100/yr | $31,500/yr | -$16,400 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $6,600/yr | $14,800/yr | -$8,200 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $7,800/yr | $18,200/yr | -$10,400 |
| High School (9-12) | $9,400/yr | $22,500/yr | -$13,100 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Meridian
$101,400
Portland
$236,600
Choosing Meridian saves $135,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $270,400.
Sample Schools
Meridian
Nampa Christian Schools
Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr
Victory Charter School (Meridian)
Independent · K–12 · $8,400-$10,400/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
Related Comparisons
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.