At a glance
| Factor | Paris | Amsterdam |
|---|---|---|
| Average international school fees (secondary) | EUR 22,000 to EUR 32,000 | EUR 18,000 to EUR 30,000 private; EUR 5,500 to EUR 6,500 DIS |
| Dominant curricula | French, IB, British, American | IB, British, Dutch DIS |
| Cost of living vs Paris (Numbeo 2026) | Baseline | About 5 to 10 percent higher |
| Family visa | Talent Passport, EU residence, dependants | Highly Skilled Migrant, EU Blue Card, dependants |
| Expat share of population | About 20 percent | About 28 percent |
| Typical relocation timeline | 10 to 14 weeks | 8 to 12 weeks |
Paris and Amsterdam sit close on cost of living, but the school cost picture is wildly different once you factor in the Dutch International Schools (DIS) model, which subsidises international IB primary and IGCSE education for families on temporary work assignments at around EUR 5,500 to EUR 6,500 per year. Paris has the deeper school market and a stronger native-language bilingual option (the French Lycée system), but no Dutch-style subsidy. English-language daily life is materially easier in Amsterdam.
Schools landscape side by side
Paris is one of Europe's deepest international school markets. The flagships are International School of Paris (ISP), the American School of Paris (ASP), the British School of Paris (BSP), Marymount International School Paris, Lycée International de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, EaB (Ecole active bilingue) and the German International School (DSP). AEFE schools attached to the French Lycée network are an underused option for families who want a French-language path.
Amsterdam's market is concentrated around International School of Amsterdam (ISA) (the first IB World School in Europe), the British School of Amsterdam, Amsterdam International Community School (AICS), Amity International School Amsterdam and a network of Dutch International Schools (Lyceum Sancta Maria DIS, ISH The Hague nearby, ABZ Amsterdam). DIS schools are publicly subsidised for families on temporary work assignments and charge fees roughly one-fifth of private international schools.
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Fees and value for money
Paris tuition at premium private international schools runs EUR 22,000 to EUR 32,000 for senior years, with capital levies of EUR 4,000 to EUR 12,000 in Year 1 spread over two years. Mid-tier schools sit at EUR 13,000 to EUR 20,000. AEFE schools attached to French lycées are 30 to 60 percent cheaper but require French language ability.
Amsterdam splits cleanly in two. Private international schools (ISA, British School Amsterdam, Amity) charge EUR 18,000 to EUR 30,000 for senior years. Dutch International Schools (DIS) including AICS charge EUR 5,500 to EUR 6,500 per year for the IB and IGCSE pathways, available to families holding a current foreign work assignment of less than three to five years. Use the cost calculator to model both cities.
Curriculum availability
Paris offers the widest curriculum spread of any European city: IB, English National Curriculum, American AP, French Baccalaureate, German Abitur, Japanese, Italian and bilingual options. Amsterdam has a narrower but high-quality mix: IB at ISA, AICS and most DIS schools, English National Curriculum at the British School, plus the Dutch national curriculum at bilingual VWO/HAVO schools that accept expat children.
For curriculum deep dives see the IB hub, British curriculum hub and American curriculum hub.
Neighbourhoods families pick
Paris families pick the 16th arrondissement and Neuilly-sur-Seine (American School of Paris, ISP, Marymount nearby), Saint-Germain-en-Laye (Lycée International, BSP), the 7th and 8th arrondissements for central living, and Versailles for families wanting space. A four-bedroom apartment in central catchments runs EUR 4,500 to EUR 8,500 per month. In Amsterdam, expat families cluster in Amstelveen (ISA, BSA both nearby, plus the Buitenveldert DIS schools), Old South for central living, and Het Gooi (Hilversum, Laren) for those wanting a house and garden. A four-bedroom Amstelveen house runs EUR 3,500 to EUR 6,000 per month.
Lifestyle and climate
Paris offers unmatched cultural depth, world-class food and direct rail links across Europe. Daily life requires more French than expat families typically expect, and the bureaucracy can be heavy. Amsterdam is compact, cyclable, English-speaking by default, and one of the most family-friendly cities in Europe by survey data. The trade-off is a smaller cultural scene than Paris and weather that runs grey and rainy from October to March. Both cities are safe, well-served by healthcare and easy to leave for European weekends.
Verdict: who picks which city
Choose Paris if your work is genuinely France-rooted, you value cultural depth and your children will benefit from French language immersion. The bilingual French Lycée network is a serious option that pays off long-term. Choose Amsterdam if you want English-language daily life, your stay is likely under five years, and you can take advantage of the DIS system. The cost difference between premium ISA and AICS at DIS rates is significant, often EUR 15,000 to EUR 20,000 per child per year, which adds up to materially better savings or lifestyle.
Frequently asked questions
Is Paris or Amsterdam cheaper for international school families in 2026?
Day-to-day costs are similar, with Amsterdam slightly higher on rent and food. The decisive school cost factor is whether your family qualifies for Dutch International School subsidies in Amsterdam, which can save EUR 15,000 to EUR 25,000 per child per year versus Paris private schools.
Which city has better international schools?
Paris has the deeper market and stronger British and American flagship schools. Amsterdam has fewer schools but ISA is consistently rated one of Europe's top IB Diploma schools, and the DIS subsidy gives access to good IB education at low cost.
Is the family visa easier in Paris or Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is faster and more predictable for highly skilled migrants. The Dutch IND processes most knowledge migrant applications within 2 to 4 weeks once the employer is recognised. The French Talent Passport is high quality but takes 8 to 12 weeks to issue.
What is a Dutch International School and who can use it?
Dutch International Schools (DIS) are publicly subsidised schools running the IB Primary Years, IB Middle Years, IGCSE and IB Diploma in English. They are available to families on temporary work assignments (typically under five years) at fees of EUR 5,500 to EUR 6,500 per year. AICS Amsterdam is the city's main DIS option.
Where do international school families live in each city?
Paris families cluster in the 16th, Neuilly, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Versailles and the 7th and 8th arrondissements. Amsterdam families pick Amstelveen, Old South, Het Gooi and Buitenveldert, mostly along the ISA and AICS school bus routes.
