Private School Cost: Phoenix vs Salem
Salem averages $1,000/year less for private school (8% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $13,000 per child.
Bottom Line
Salem is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $12,400/year vs $13,400/year in Phoenix. Religious schools run $8,400/year on the low end.
Phoenix
AZ
$13,400
avg tuition/year
Salem
OR
$12,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Phoenix | Salem | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $13,400/yr | $12,400/yr | +$1,000 |
| Religious Schools | $8,600/yr | $8,400/yr | +$200 |
| Independent/Prep | $24,500/yr | $25,000/yr | -$500 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $11,000/yr | $10,500/yr | +$500 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $13,400/yr | $12,400/yr | +$1,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $16,500/yr | $14,900/yr | +$1,600 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Phoenix
$174,200
Salem
$161,200
Choosing Salem saves $13,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $26,000.
Sample Schools
Phoenix
Brophy College Preparatory
Catholic · 9–12 · $17,800/yr
Xavier College Preparatory
Catholic · 9–12 · $17,400/yr
Scottsdale Preparatory Academy
Independent · 6–12 · $12,800-$14,200/yr
Notre Dame Preparatory High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $16,200/yr
Salem
Salem Academy (OR)
Christian · 9–12 · $14,800/yr
Blanchet Catholic School (Salem)
Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/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.