Private School Cost: Salem vs San Diego
Salem averages $8,800/year less for private school (71% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $114,400 per child.
Bottom Line
Salem is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $12,400/year vs $21,200/year in San Diego. Religious schools run $8,400/year on the low end.
Salem
OR
$12,400
avg tuition/year
San Diego
CA
$21,200
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Salem | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $12,400/yr | $21,200/yr | -$8,800 |
| Religious Schools | $8,400/yr | $11,500/yr | -$3,100 |
| Independent/Prep | $25,000/yr | $36,500/yr | -$11,500 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $10,500/yr | $17,500/yr | -$7,000 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $12,400/yr | $21,200/yr | -$8,800 |
| High School (9-12) | $14,900/yr | $26,000/yr | -$11,100 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Salem
$161,200
San Diego
$275,600
Choosing Salem saves $114,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $228,800.
Sample Schools
Salem
Salem Academy (OR)
Christian · 9–12 · $14,800/yr
Blanchet Catholic School (Salem)
Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/yr
San Diego
Bishop's School
Independent · 7–12 · $43,200/yr
La Jolla Country Day School
Independent · PK–12 · $38,800-$41,200/yr
Francis Parker School
Independent · K–12 · $36,400-$38,800/yr
Cathedral Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $19,800/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.