Is private school cheaper in Salem or Seattle?

Salem has lower average private school tuition at $12,400/year vs $24,500/year in Seattle. That's $12,100/year less, or $157,300 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Salem over Seattle?

Average tuition in Salem is $12,100/year less than Seattle. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $157,300 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $8,400/year in Salem, $13,200/year in Seattle.

How do Salem and Seattle private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Salem averages $12,400/year ($50 above average). Seattle averages $24,500/year ($12,150 above average).

Private School Cost: Salem vs Seattle

Salem averages $12,100/year less for private school (98% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $157,300 per child.

Bottom Line

Salem is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $12,400/year vs $24,500/year in Seattle. Religious schools run $8,400/year on the low end.

Salem

$12,400

avg tuition/year

$50 above national avg

Lower cost

Seattle

$24,500

avg tuition/year

$12,150 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Salem	Seattle	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$12,400/yr	$24,500/yr	-$12,100
Religious Schools	$8,400/yr	$13,200/yr	-$4,800
Independent/Prep	$25,000/yr	$38,000/yr	-$13,000
Elementary (K-5)	$10,500/yr	$20,000/yr	-$9,500
Middle School (6-8)	$12,400/yr	$24,500/yr	-$12,100
High School (9-12)	$14,900/yr	$30,500/yr	-$15,600

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Salem

$161,200

Seattle

$318,500

Choosing Salem saves $157,300 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $314,600.

Sample Schools

Salem

Salem Academy (OR)

Christian · 9–12 · $14,800/yr

Blanchet Catholic School (Salem)

Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/yr

Seattle

University Prep

Independent · 6–12 · $42,800/yr

Northwest School

Independent · 6–12 · $39,400/yr

Seattle Prep

Catholic · 9–12 · $21,200/yr

O'Dea High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $17,800/yr

Full Salem breakdown → Full Seattle breakdown →

Oregon private school costs Washington private school costs

Related Comparisons

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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.