Private School Cost: Missoula vs Salem
Missoula averages $4,400/year less for private school (55% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $57,200 per child.
Bottom Line
Missoula is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,000/year vs $12,400/year in Salem. Religious schools run $5,400/year on the low end.
Missoula
MT
$8,000
avg tuition/year
Salem
OR
$12,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Missoula | Salem | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $8,000/yr | $12,400/yr | -$4,400 |
| Religious Schools | $5,400/yr | $8,400/yr | -$3,000 |
| Independent/Prep | $15,500/yr | $25,000/yr | -$9,500 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $6,800/yr | $10,500/yr | -$3,700 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $8,000/yr | $12,400/yr | -$4,400 |
| High School (9-12) | $9,600/yr | $14,900/yr | -$5,300 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Missoula
$104,000
Salem
$161,200
Choosing Missoula saves $57,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $114,400.
Sample Schools
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
Salem
Salem Academy (OR)
Christian · 9–12 · $14,800/yr
Blanchet Catholic School (Salem)
Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/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.