At a glance
| Factor | London | Lisbon |
|---|---|---|
| Average international school fees (secondary) | GBP 22,000 to GBP 36,000 plus 20% VAT | EUR 12,000 to EUR 26,000 |
| Dominant curricula | British, IB, American | IB, British, American, Portuguese |
| Cost of living vs London (Numbeo 2026) | Baseline | About 35 to 45 percent lower |
| Family visa | Skilled Worker, Global Talent, dependants | D7, D8, Golden Visa, dependants |
| Expat share of population | About 37 percent | About 16 percent |
| Typical relocation timeline | 8 to 12 weeks | 10 to 16 weeks |
London has the deepest education market in Europe, but VAT on private school fees from January 2025 has added a 20 percent uplift on most international school tuition. Lisbon is a different proposition entirely: smaller school market, much lower fees, easier residency for non-EU families through the D7 and D8 visa routes, and 300 sunny days a year. The right choice depends heavily on how long you plan to stay and whether your work tethers you to London or lets you base anywhere in Europe.
Schools landscape side by side
London's market is enormous, with dozens of established international schools alongside the British private school sector. Flagships include ACS Cobham/Hillingdon, The American School in London (ASL), International School of London (ISL), Halcyon London International, Southbank International (three campuses), TASIS England and Marymount. Capacity varies sharply by year group, with Years 7 and 12 typically the tightest.
Lisbon has a smaller but high-quality cluster: St Julian's School, Carlucci American International School of Lisbon (CAISL), St Dominic's International School, Park International School, TASIS Portugal, The British School of Lisbon and Oeiras International School. St Julian's and CAISL absorb most senior demand and run 6 to 12 month waiting lists at peak intake. Most other schools have capacity within one term.
Not sure which city fits your family?
Take the 5 minute school finder quiz, then run the cost calculator for both cities. You get shortlisted schools plus a side by side relocation budget in under ten minutes.
Fees and value for money
London tuition for 2026 sits at GBP 18,000 to GBP 30,000 for primary and GBP 22,000 to GBP 36,000 for senior years, plus VAT at 20 percent on most international schools. All-in costs at top schools (including levies, transport and lunch) reach GBP 42,000 to GBP 48,000 per year for senior school.
Lisbon tuition runs EUR 8,000 to EUR 15,000 for primary and EUR 12,000 to EUR 26,000 for IB Diploma at premium schools. Add an enrolment fee of EUR 800 to EUR 3,500 in Year 1, an annual capital fund of EUR 500 to EUR 2,500 and school bus at EUR 2,200 to EUR 3,800 per year. The five year all-in delta versus London usually runs EUR 100,000 to EUR 180,000 in Lisbon's favour. Use the cost calculator to model both.
Curriculum availability
London has every curriculum a family might want: IB, English National Curriculum (IGCSE and A Level), American AP, French Baccalaureate, German Abitur, Japanese national curriculum and more. Lisbon's mix is narrower but covers the global big four: IB at St Dominic's and CAISL, British at St Julian's senior school, American at CAISL, plus the Portuguese national curriculum at bilingual schools.
For curriculum deep dives see the IB hub, British curriculum hub and American curriculum hub.
Neighbourhoods families pick
London catchments depend on the school: Hampstead, St John's Wood and Marylebone for ASL and Southbank, Kensington and Notting Hill for various international preps, Cobham and Hillingdon for ACS suburbs, Wimbledon and Putney for Southbank Putney. A four-bedroom house in central catchments runs GBP 6,500 to GBP 12,000 per month. In Lisbon, expat families cluster in Cascais and Estoril (St Julian's, TASIS, CAISL), Carcavelos and Oeiras for younger families, and Sintra for outdoor lifestyle. A four-bedroom villa with garden and pool runs EUR 2,500 to EUR 4,500 per month, a fraction of equivalent London space.
Lifestyle and climate
London offers world-class cultural depth, the strongest job market in Europe and immediate connectivity globally. The downsides are cost, weather and post-Brexit visa friction for EU families. Lisbon offers a Mediterranean lifestyle (sun, beaches, surf, terraces) at a price most of Northern Europe forgot a decade ago. Healthcare is good, public schools are improving and English is widely spoken. Both cities are safe, with Lisbon scoring slightly higher on family quality of life surveys.
Verdict: who picks which city
Choose London if your career is London-rooted, you value the world's deepest school market and you can absorb the VAT-inflated fees. It remains the strongest city in Europe for top-tier IB Diploma and A Level outcomes. Choose Lisbon if you have flexible work (founders, remote senior roles, semi-retired), you want significantly lower costs, and you value lifestyle and sun. Families on the Golden Visa or D7 route who base in Cascais often educate their children at St Julian's or CAISL for less than half the all-in London budget.
Frequently asked questions
Is London or Lisbon cheaper for international school families in 2026?
Lisbon is significantly cheaper, typically 35 to 45 percent lower across rent, food and disposable income, with school fees that run about half of London at equivalent tier. VAT on UK private school fees since 2025 has widened the gap further.
Which city has better international schools?
London has the deeper market and stronger top-tier outcomes for IB Diploma and A Level. Lisbon's flagship schools (St Julian's, CAISL, St Dominic's) are strong but more limited in choice.
Is the family visa easier in London or Lisbon?
Lisbon is materially easier for non-EU families. The D7 (passive income), D8 (digital nomad) and Golden Visa routes offer clear paths to residency with family inclusion. London skilled worker and Global Talent routes require employer or endorsement sponsorship.
Did the UK VAT change really affect international school fees in 2025?
Yes. Since January 2025 most UK private schools, including international schools, must apply 20 percent VAT on tuition. A handful with educational charity status secured partial exemptions, but plan for a 20 percent uplift versus pre-2025 fees in London.
Where do international school families live in each city?
London families cluster in Hampstead, St John's Wood, Kensington, Cobham and Wimbledon. Lisbon families pick Cascais, Estoril, Carcavelos, Oeiras and Sintra, mostly along the western coastline.
