Is private school cheaper in Salem or Spokane?

Salem has lower average private school tuition at $12,400/year vs $12,800/year in Spokane. That's $400/year less, or $5,200 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Salem is $400/year less than Spokane. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $5,200 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $8,400/year in Salem, $8,700/year in Spokane.

How do Salem and Spokane 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). Spokane averages $12,800/year ($450 above average).

Private School Cost: Salem vs Spokane

Salem averages $400/year less for private school (3% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $5,200 per child.

Bottom Line

Salem is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $12,400/year vs $12,800/year in Spokane. Religious schools run $8,400/year on the low end.

Salem

$12,400

avg tuition/year

$50 above national avg

Lower cost

Spokane

$12,800

avg tuition/year

$450 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Salem	Spokane	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$12,400/yr	$12,800/yr	-$400
Religious Schools	$8,400/yr	$8,700/yr	-$300
Independent/Prep	$25,000/yr	$27,400/yr	-$2,400
Elementary (K-5)	$10,500/yr	$10,900/yr	-$400
Middle School (6-8)	$12,400/yr	$12,800/yr	-$400
High School (9-12)	$14,900/yr	$15,400/yr	-$500

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Salem

$161,200

Spokane

$166,400

Choosing Salem saves $5,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $10,400.

Sample Schools

Salem

Salem Academy (OR)

Christian · 9–12 · $14,800/yr

Blanchet Catholic School (Salem)

Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/yr

Spokane

Gonzaga Preparatory School

Catholic · 9–12 · $13,400/yr

Spokane Christian Academy

Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr

Full Salem breakdown → Full Spokane breakdown →

Oregon private school costs Washington private school costs

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.