Private School Cost: Salem vs West Valley City
West Valley City averages $3,900/year less for private school (46% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $50,700 per child.
Bottom Line
West Valley City is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,500/year vs $12,400/year in Salem. Religious schools run $5,900/year on the low end.
Salem
OR
$12,400
avg tuition/year
West Valley City
UT
$8,500
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Salem | West Valley City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $12,400/yr | $8,500/yr | +$3,900 |
| Religious Schools | $8,400/yr | $5,900/yr | +$2,500 |
| Independent/Prep | $25,000/yr | $16,900/yr | +$8,100 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $10,500/yr | $7,200/yr | +$3,300 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $12,400/yr | $8,500/yr | +$3,900 |
| High School (9-12) | $14,900/yr | $10,200/yr | +$4,700 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Salem
$161,200
West Valley City
$110,500
Choosing West Valley City saves $50,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $101,400.
Sample Schools
Salem
Salem Academy (OR)
Christian · 9–12 · $14,800/yr
Blanchet Catholic School (Salem)
Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/yr
West Valley City
Merit Preparatory Academy
Independent · K–12 · $8,600-$10,800/yr
Blessed Sacrament School (Salt Lake)
Catholic · K–8 · $8,200-$10,000/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.