Private School Cost: Providence vs Salem
Salem averages $9,600/year less for private school (77% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $124,800 per child.
Bottom Line
Salem is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $12,400/year vs $22,000/year in Providence. Religious schools run $8,400/year on the low end.
Providence
RI
$22,000
avg tuition/year
Salem
OR
$12,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Providence | Salem | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $22,000/yr | $12,400/yr | +$9,600 |
| Religious Schools | $12,400/yr | $8,400/yr | +$4,000 |
| Independent/Prep | $36,000/yr | $25,000/yr | +$11,000 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $18,000/yr | $10,500/yr | +$7,500 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $22,000/yr | $12,400/yr | +$9,600 |
| High School (9-12) | $27,500/yr | $14,900/yr | +$12,600 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Providence
$286,000
Salem
$161,200
Choosing Salem saves $124,800 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $249,600.
Sample Schools
Providence
Moses Brown School
Independent (Quaker) · PK–12 · $40,800-$43,200/yr
Wheeler School
Independent · PK–12 · $38,200-$40,800/yr
Providence Country Day School
Independent · 6–12 · $34,800/yr
La Salle Academy (Providence)
Catholic · 9–12 · $14,200/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.