At a glance
| Factor | Tokyo | Amsterdam |
|---|---|---|
| Average international school fees (secondary) | JPY 2.5M to 4.5M (USD 18,000 to 32,000) | EUR 5,500 to 7,500 at DIS schools; EUR 22,000 to 38,000 at private internationals |
| Dominant curricula | American, IB, British, Japanese international | IB, Dutch International (DIS), British, French |
| Cost of living (Numbeo, May 2026) | Amsterdam is the baseline. Tokyo runs roughly 10 to 20 percent cheaper than Amsterdam on rent and groceries (Numbeo, May 2026), helped by the weak yen | |
| Family visa | Highly Skilled Professional visa, work visa with dependant, Specialist in Humanities | Highly Skilled Migrant permit with 30 percent ruling and family reunification |
| Expat share of population | About 4 percent of Tokyo population (concentrated in Minato and Shibuya) | Around 18 percent of Amsterdam metro |
| Flagship schools (selection) | American School in Japan (ASIJ), Nishimachi International School, St Mary's International School, British School in Tokyo and Tokyo International School | International School of Amsterdam (ISA), Amsterdam International Community School (AICS), British School of Amsterdam and Lycee Vincent van Gogh |
Tokyo delivers world-class American and IB schools, Asia's safest big city and a deep expat infrastructure. Amsterdam delivers subsidised Dutch International Schools, bicycle-first living and one of Europe's most efficient family visa routes. Both run credible IB pathways, both attract significant relocating families, and both reward parents who do the homework on neighbourhoods before tuition.
Schools landscape side by side
Tokyo's international market is anchored by the American School in Japan (ASIJ) in Chofu, Nishimachi International School in Azabu, St Mary's International School, Sacred Heart, the British School in Tokyo (BST) and Tokyo International School. Fees are billed in JPY by most schools and in USD by ASIJ, which insulates the school from yen depreciation. Capital levies of JPY 300,000 to 1,000,000 are common at first enrolment. See the Tokyo schools hub.
Amsterdam splits between two tiers. The subsidised Dutch International Schools (DIS) like AICS carry strong reputations and are partly state-funded. The fully private International School of Amsterdam (ISA, full IB continuum), the British School of Amsterdam and Lycee Vincent van Gogh round out the choice. Demand from the tech sector and EU bodies keeps waiting lists active. See the Amsterdam schools hub.
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
Tokyo premium fees at ASIJ, St Mary's and Nishimachi sit between JPY 2.8M and JPY 4.5M (roughly USD 19,000 to 32,000). Mid-tier IB and British options run JPY 2.2M to 3.0M. Add bus transport at JPY 200,000 to 350,000, uniform JPY 60,000 to 150,000 and a one-off capital levy. See the fees explorer for the full distribution.
Amsterdam splits the cost world neatly. The subsidised DIS route runs about EUR 5,500 to 7,500 per year, the cheapest English-medium option in Western Europe. The private route at ISA or the British School of Amsterdam runs EUR 22,000 to 38,000 in the IB Diploma years, plus EUR 1,000 to 3,000 enrolment and EUR 2,000 to 5,000 capital levies. Most expat families on a corporate package land at the private end.
Curriculum availability
Both cities cover IB and American or British pathways. Tokyo tilts heavily American at ASIJ (US High School Diploma plus AP), with IB Diploma at Tokyo International, K International and Yokohama International. Amsterdam tilts strongly IB through ISA and AICS, with British provision concentrated at the British School of Amsterdam. The IB Diploma remains the safest portable credential in either city. Japanese language acquisition is a major bonus for younger children: most Tokyo internationals run host-language classes from primary onwards. See the IB hub.
Neighbourhoods families pick
In Tokyo families cluster in Hiroo and Azabu for Nishimachi and Sacred Heart, Setagaya and Chofu for ASIJ access, Minato for proximity to BST and embassies, and Yokohama for the Yokohama International School catchment. A three-bedroom family apartment in Hiroo or Azabu runs JPY 600,000 to 1,200,000 per month.
In Amsterdam families pick Oud-Zuid for the British School and a leafy classical feel, Amstelveen for AICS Primary and ISA, and Buitenveldert and the Apollobuurt for a family-first vibe with easy bike access. A three-bedroom apartment in Oud-Zuid runs EUR 3,200 to EUR 5,500 per month.
Lifestyle and climate
Tokyo runs four temperate seasons with cool dry winters (2 to 10 degrees), wet summers (24 to 33 degrees with high humidity) and famous cherry-blossom shoulder months. Public transit is the gold standard worldwide, family safety is unmatched and weekend access to Hakone, Karuizawa or Hokkaido shapes the school calendar. Amsterdam offers four mild seasons, with cool wet winters around 2 to 7 degrees and pleasant summers around 18 to 24 degrees. Cycling is the default mode of transport from age 4 upwards. Public safety, healthcare and air quality are exceptional in both cities.
Verdict: who picks which city
Choose Tokyo if your career is in Asia-Pacific, you value safety and infrastructure above all, and you want world-class American or IB schooling at the top end. ASIJ remains the gold standard for the US Diploma pathway in the region. The weak yen makes 2026 a comparatively affordable year on housing and lifestyle.
Choose Amsterdam if you want a safe European base, English-medium living and a 30 percent tax ruling that makes net pay attractive. Subsidised DIS access is the single biggest reason families pick Amsterdam over rival European hubs. Most families we work with model both cities through the cost calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tokyo or Amsterdam cheaper for international school families in 2026?
Tokyo is currently cheaper on housing and groceries thanks to a weak yen, and mid-tier international schools at JPY 2.2M to 3M can undercut Amsterdam's private route. Amsterdam's DIS route at EUR 5,500 remains the cheapest English-medium option in either city, though waiting lists are long. The private route at EUR 22,000 to 38,000 is the closest comparison to Tokyo's premium fees.
Which city has stronger international schools?
Both are very strong. Tokyo has greater depth at the American end with ASIJ, St Mary's and Sacred Heart, plus an experienced IB layer. Amsterdam has fewer but world-class IB options at ISA and AICS. Quality at the top is comparable; American depth favours Tokyo; IB depth favours Amsterdam.
Is the family visa easier in Tokyo or Amsterdam?
The Netherlands' Highly Skilled Migrant route is one of Europe's most efficient, with family reunification typically processed in four to eight weeks. Japan's Highly Skilled Professional and work visas with dependant status are also efficient, typically two to six weeks. Both are among the easier family visa processes globally.
How does the climate compare for families?
Tokyo is humid in summer (33 degrees and 80 percent humidity is common in August) and dry in winter (2 to 10 degrees). Amsterdam is mild and wet, 2 to 7 in winter and 18 to 24 in summer. Outdoor sport from October to May is excellent in Tokyo; cycling year round and temperate weather are easier in Amsterdam.
Where do most expat families live in each city?
In Tokyo families cluster in Hiroo, Azabu, Setagaya and parts of Yokohama. In Amsterdam they pick Oud-Zuid, Amstelveen, Buitenveldert and the Apollobuurt, mostly chosen for school proximity and a bike-first daily routine.
