Private School Cost: Salem vs Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City averages $3,000/year less for private school (32% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $39,000 per child.
Bottom Line
Salt Lake City is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $9,400/year vs $12,400/year in Salem. Religious schools run $6,500/year on the low end.
Salem
OR
$12,400
avg tuition/year
Salt Lake City
UT
$9,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Salem | Salt Lake City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $12,400/yr | $9,400/yr | +$3,000 |
| Religious Schools | $8,400/yr | $6,500/yr | +$1,900 |
| Independent/Prep | $25,000/yr | $18,700/yr | +$6,300 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $10,500/yr | $8,000/yr | +$2,500 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $12,400/yr | $9,400/yr | +$3,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $14,900/yr | $11,300/yr | +$3,600 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Salem
$161,200
Salt Lake City
$122,200
Choosing Salt Lake City saves $39,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $78,000.
Sample Schools
Salem
Salem Academy (OR)
Christian · 9–12 · $14,800/yr
Blanchet Catholic School (Salem)
Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/yr
Salt Lake City
Judge Memorial Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/yr
Utah Private Academy
Independent · K–12 · $9,800-$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.