Private School Cost: Portland vs Salem
Salem averages $5,800/year less for private school (47% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $75,400 per child.
Bottom Line
Salem is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $12,400/year vs $18,200/year in Portland. Religious schools run $8,400/year on the low end.
Portland
OR
$18,200
avg tuition/year
Salem
OR
$12,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Portland | Salem | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $18,200/yr | $12,400/yr | +$5,800 |
| Religious Schools | $10,400/yr | $8,400/yr | +$2,000 |
| Independent/Prep | $31,500/yr | $25,000/yr | +$6,500 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $14,800/yr | $10,500/yr | +$4,300 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $18,200/yr | $12,400/yr | +$5,800 |
| High School (9-12) | $22,500/yr | $14,900/yr | +$7,600 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Portland
$236,600
Salem
$161,200
Choosing Salem saves $75,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $150,800.
Sample Schools
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
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.