Private School Cost: Seattle vs West Valley City
West Valley City averages $16,000/year less for private school (188% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $208,000 per child.
Bottom Line
West Valley City is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,500/year vs $24,500/year in Seattle. Religious schools run $5,900/year on the low end.
Seattle
WA
$24,500
avg tuition/year
West Valley City
UT
$8,500
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Seattle | West Valley City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $24,500/yr | $8,500/yr | +$16,000 |
| Religious Schools | $13,200/yr | $5,900/yr | +$7,300 |
| Independent/Prep | $38,000/yr | $16,900/yr | +$21,100 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $20,000/yr | $7,200/yr | +$12,800 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $24,500/yr | $8,500/yr | +$16,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $30,500/yr | $10,200/yr | +$20,300 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Seattle
$318,500
West Valley City
$110,500
Choosing West Valley City saves $208,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $416,000.
Sample Schools
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
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
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.