At a glance
| Factor | Paris | Tokyo |
|---|---|---|
| Average international school fees (secondary) | EUR 23,000 to 37,000 (USD 25,000 to 40,000) | JPY 2.5M to 4.5M (USD 17,000 to 31,000) |
| Dominant curricula | IB, French bilingual, British, American | IB, American, British, bilingual Japanese English |
| Cost of living vs Paris (Numbeo, 2026) | Baseline | About 15 percent lower |
| Family visa | Talent Passport or work visa with family reunion | Spouse / Family visa tied to employment status |
| Expat share of population | About 20 percent | About 4 percent |
| Typical relocation timeline | 8 to 12 weeks | 10 to 14 weeks |
Paris and Tokyo are the two great non English capitals on most expat shortlists. Both are expensive, both have strong international schools, and both reward families who plan early. The choice usually comes down to assignment, language ambition and which side of the world you want to operate from.
Schools landscape side by side
Paris has a strong international market plus a deep AEFE network of French schools. The schools dominating expat shortlists are International School of Paris (ISP), ICS Paris, Ermitage International School, the American School of Paris, the British School of Paris, Lycee Jeannine Manuel and EaB International. AEFE network French schools offer partial subsidies, with annual fees 30 to 60 percent below private American or British schools.
Tokyo's market is smaller but credible. The schools dominating shortlists are American School in Japan (ASIJ), British School in Tokyo, Tokyo International School, Nishimachi International School, Saint Maur International and the Lycee Francais International. Capacity at ASIJ and BST is tight in Year 7 and Year 11; budget at least a full term lead time.
Fees and value for money
Paris secondary fees at premium IB and American schools sit between EUR 27,000 and EUR 37,000 per year. Mid tier and AEFE network French schools land EUR 14,000 to EUR 22,000. Most expat families budget EUR 22,000 to EUR 32,000 per child plus EUR 5,000 to EUR 9,000 in capital and registration in Year 1. See our Paris fees guide for the all in load.
Tokyo premium school fees sit between JPY 3 million and JPY 4.5 million per year (USD 21,000 to USD 31,000), with ASIJ at the top of the range. British School in Tokyo runs JPY 2.7 million to JPY 3.0 million. First year capital levies of JPY 1 million to JPY 3 million are common. Use the cost calculator to model the five year all in number per child.
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.
Curriculum availability
Both cities offer IB Diploma at multiple schools. Paris has a stronger French bilingual and French immersion route (Lycee Jeannine Manuel, EaB International), useful for families staying in continental Europe. Tokyo leans American at ASIJ plus credible British provision at BST. For curriculum specific guidance see the IB hub, British curriculum hub and American curriculum hub.
Both cities punish late decisions. Paris ISP and Tokyo ASIJ tend to ask for previous school reports, references and a child interview before issuing offers. Plan to submit applications at least two terms ahead, and ideally as soon as the assignment is confirmed.
Neighbourhoods families pick
In Paris, expat families settle in the 7th, 8th and 16th arrondissements, plus Saint Germain en Laye and Neuilly sur Seine close to the American School of Paris and the British School of Paris. A four bedroom flat in the 16th arrondissement runs EUR 4,000 to EUR 8,000 per month, with strong public transport and limited garden space.
In Tokyo, families cluster in Hiroo, Azabu, Roppongi, Den-en-chofu and Chofu (near ASIJ). A three bedroom apartment in Hiroo or Azabu runs JPY 600,000 to JPY 1,400,000 per month (USD 4,000 to USD 9,500). Public transport is faultless and most families do not own a car.
Lifestyle and climate
Paris has four seasons, mild summers around 25 degrees Celsius and cool wet winters. Culture, museums and food are world class, and Europe is on the doorstep. Tokyo has hot humid summers, mild winters and a famously safe, organised daily rhythm. Air quality is materially better in Tokyo than in central Paris, and public transport is faultless in both. Travel from Paris opens Europe; Tokyo opens Asia and the US west coast.
Paris family weekends are shaped by museums, parks, weekend trips to Normandy or the Loire, and easy rail to London or Brussels. Tokyo family weekends lean into temples, day trips to Kamakura or Hakone, and short flights to Seoul or Taipei. Air quality is materially better in Tokyo than in central Paris, and public transport is faultless in both.
Verdict: who picks which city
Choose Paris if French language and a European base matter, and your children can take advantage of the AEFE network or the strong French bilingual route. It suits families with cultural ambition and Europe focused careers.
Choose Tokyo if Asia is the centre of the role, you value safety, infrastructure and discipline, and the school choice (ASIJ, BST, Nishimachi) fits the family. Most families we work with run both cities through the cost calculator before they commit; the five year delta is usually USD 30,000 to USD 80,000 per child in Tokyo's favour, mostly driven by school fees and capital levies.
Frequently asked questions
Is Paris or Tokyo cheaper for international school families in 2026?
Tokyo is moderately cheaper. Cost of living in Tokyo runs about 15 percent below Paris on Numbeo, and international school fees in Tokyo are typically 10 to 25 percent lower than equivalent Paris programmes. Housing for similar space is broadly similar in central districts.
Which city has better international schools?
Paris has more schools, with strong IB, French bilingual and AEFE options. Tokyo has fewer but highly respected schools, particularly ASIJ, BST and Nishimachi. Best fit depends on curriculum, language ambition and year group.
Is the family visa easier in Paris or Tokyo?
Paris is generally smoother for skilled workers via the Talent Passport, with straightforward family reunion. Tokyo's spouse and family visa is straightforward but tied closely to the main applicant's employment visa and renewal cycle.
How long does the school admissions process take in each city?
In Paris, ISP, ASP and BSP often have 3 to 9 month waiting lists for Years 1, 7 and 11. In Tokyo, ASIJ and BST commonly run 6 to 12 month waiting lists for Year 7 and Year 11 intakes.
Where do most international school families live in each city?
Paris families settle in the 7th, 8th, 16th arrondissements, plus Saint Germain en Laye and Neuilly sur Seine. Tokyo families cluster in Hiroo, Azabu, Roppongi and Chofu near ASIJ.
