At a glance
| Factor | Madrid | Amsterdam |
|---|---|---|
| Average international school fees (secondary) | EUR 18,000 to 26,000 | EUR 20,000 to 30,000 |
| Dominant curricula | British, IB, American, Spanish bilingual | IB, British, Dutch international stream |
| Cost of living vs Madrid (Numbeo, May 2026) | Baseline | About 18 percent higher |
| Family visa | EU citizens free, NLV or Digital Nomad for non-EU | EU citizens free, HSM permit for non-EU |
| Expat share of population | About 14 percent | About 25 percent |
| Typical relocation timeline | 8 to 12 weeks | 8 to 12 weeks |
Madrid is the cheaper and sunnier city, with a deeper bench of mid-priced British and bilingual options. Amsterdam is smaller and more expensive, but its IB schools are unusually concentrated and the city is famously easy for English speakers. Both have efficient family visa routes once you sit outside the EU.
Schools landscape side by side
Madrid's market is the larger of the two. There are more than 60 international and bilingual schools across the city and its commuter ring, with strong British anchors such as Runnymede College, the British Council School, Hastings School and ICS Madrid, plus the American School of Madrid and a deep IB bench including the International College Spain and SEK schools. Capacity is generally good outside the most oversubscribed primary year groups and most families secure a place within a single admissions cycle.
Amsterdam has a smaller but very mature international market. The schools that dominate shortlists are the International School of Amsterdam, the British School of Amsterdam, Amity International, AICS at its Zuid and Zuidoost campuses, and the Optimist International School. Demand can be tight at AICS for Years 1 and 7 and at ISA for the IB Diploma. Dutch international stream schools, which are partly state-funded, offer a much cheaper route from Group 1 to Year 11 if you can secure a place.
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
Madrid offers strong value for European international schools. Annual tuition at established names such as Runnymede, ICS and ASM runs roughly EUR 14,000 to 22,000 in primary and EUR 18,000 to 26,000 in upper secondary. Once you add lunch, transport, registration and IB or A Level exam fees, expect EUR 18,000 to 28,000 all-in per child per year at premium schools, with bilingual options coming in EUR 4,000 to 7,000 below that.
Amsterdam is materially more expensive. Premium private schools such as ISA, BSA and Amity publish secondary fees between EUR 20,000 and 30,000 with capital levies of EUR 1,500 to 3,500 on top. The cheaper route is a Dutch international stream school, where annual fees sit closer to EUR 5,500 to 11,500 because the Dutch government covers part of the cost. Use the cost calculator to model a five year all-in number per child.
Curriculum availability
Both cities cover the global big three: IB, British (IGCSE plus A Level) and American (AP and SAT pathway). Madrid has more breadth in British and bilingual Spanish English provision and a larger pool of A Level options. Amsterdam tilts heavily toward IB, with the IB Diploma the default senior pathway across ISA, AICS and the Dutch international streams. If your role is uncertain or you may move again within five years, IB is the safest portable credential in either city.
For curriculum-specific deep dives see the IB hub, British curriculum hub and American curriculum hub.
Neighbourhoods families pick
In Madrid, international school families cluster in Pozuelo de Alarcon, Aravaca, La Moraleja, Las Rozas and Majadahonda for the western suburban schools, and in Chamartin, Salamanca and Conde Orgaz for in-town families who want British and American provision. A four bedroom semi in Pozuelo runs EUR 2,500 to 4,500 per month and gardens are normal.
In Amsterdam, families pick Zuid and Buitenveldert for AICS and ISA, the Old South and Vondelpark fringes for BSA, and Amstelveen for the International School of Amsterdam's main campus. A three bedroom apartment in Zuid runs EUR 2,800 to 4,500 per month, with strong public transport but very limited garden space. Houten and Almere are common commuter options for families chasing more room.
Lifestyle and climate
Madrid is sunny eight months of the year, with hot summers above 35 degrees Celsius and dry, sharp winters that rarely drop below freezing. Family life is outdoors and late, with sport, walking and weekend escapes to the Sierra. Amsterdam is mild oceanic, around 4 to 22 degrees Celsius year round, with grey winters and bright long summers. The city is famously bike first and family safety is excellent. Schiphol gives Amsterdam the edge on flight connections, while Madrid Barajas dominates Latin America and southern Europe routes.
Verdict: who picks which city
Choose Madrid if you want better value for money, warmer weather, a wider choice of British and bilingual schools, and a Latin lifestyle. It also suits families with younger children who prioritise extracurricular range and lots of outdoor time.
Choose Amsterdam if you want an English-comfortable European base, very high quality IB schools and unrivalled bike-first family safety. It is the stronger city for families approaching the IB Diploma where the depth of the AICS and ISA programmes shapes university outcomes.
Most families we work with run both cities through the cost calculator before they commit. The five year all-in delta between similar schools and similar housing is usually EUR 40,000 to 80,000 in Madrid's favour.
Frequently asked questions
Is Madrid or Amsterdam cheaper for international school families in 2026?
Madrid is cheaper across school fees, housing and disposable spending. Amsterdam costs around 18 percent more overall, with premium international school fees roughly 15 to 25 percent higher than equivalent Madrid schools.
Which city has better international schools?
Madrid has wider choice and a deeper British and bilingual bench. Amsterdam has a tighter but very strong IB cluster led by ISA, AICS and the Dutch international streams. Best fit depends on curriculum, budget and year group, not headline rankings.
Is the family visa easier in Madrid or Amsterdam?
Both are straightforward for EU citizens. For non-EU families, Spain's Non Lucrative Visa and Digital Nomad routes are popular for Madrid, while the Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant permit covers most corporate moves to Amsterdam. Spain has a lower salary threshold.
How long does the school admissions process take in each city?
Madrid typically returns decisions within four to six weeks outside the most oversubscribed year groups. Amsterdam can take 8 to 16 weeks at ISA and AICS for Years 1 and 7, where waiting lists are common. Apply at least one full term ahead.
Where do most international school families live in each city?
Madrid families cluster in Pozuelo, Aravaca, La Moraleja, Las Rozas and Conde Orgaz. Amsterdam families pick Zuid, Buitenveldert, Amstelveen and the Old South depending on the school they target.
