If you are moving to Europe with your family, you probably wonder which is the best city for raising kids. In this article we compare the pros and cons of raising kids in Madrid vs. raising kids in Paris.

Pros of raising kids in both Madrid and Paris

Although raising kids in Madrid vs. Paris is often a very different experience, there are some big positives that are typical of both cities.

Healthcare

Both Spain and France have excellent healthcare systems offering universal coverage. The French healthcare systems tends to rank slightly higher than the Spanish healthcare system, but both are considered among the best in the world.

Learning a new language

Moving to both Paris and Madrid will most likely expose your child to a new language. This is particularly true if you enroll them in a public school or (in Spain) a concertado. Much research demonstrates that it is relatively easy for children to learn new languages. Interestingly, up until age eight, young children benefit from flexible ear and speech muscles that can detect differences between the sounds of a second language, according to a Michigan State University study on the advantages of a bilingual brain.

The benefits of learning a second language, especially at an early age, are myriad. Bilingual children seem to have a superior ability to focus on one thing and easily change their response when required, indicating cognitive flexibility. Both traits require self-control, which is important not just in the classroom but later in life. Bilingual children are also more adept at solving certain kinds of mental puzzles. A 2004 study found that bilingual youth were more successful at dividing objects by shape and color versus their monolingual peers who struggled when sorting by shape was added to color differentiation.

Exposure to a new culture

Exposure to a new culture has a host of benefits. It fosters empathy, understanding and flexibility. Moreover, it can be very helpful later in life. It opens up adults to career and life opportunities they would struggle with if they were not accustomed to adapting to, and embracing, other cultures.

Good work/life balance

Both Spain and France have excellent work/life balances. This is particularly true if you are coming from a country like the US or UK, where most people work very long hours at the expense of spending quality time with their families. France has instigated the 35 hour work week, which includes a 1-2 hour lunch. Spaniards tend to work longer hours, but they also enjoy 2-3 hour lunches; working over the weekend is highly unusual for most professions in Spain. Working over the weekend is illegal in France.

Excellent school choices

Both Paris and Madrid offer excellent school options. Both cities have a number of international schools where your child can be educated following a US or UK curriculum. However, there are some big differences in the schools. French schools tend to have very rigorous curricula with lots of homework. Madrid schools are typically more relaxed. However, schools in both countries focus more on rote learning and memorization than US schools. The exception to this is the new Brewster Academy in Madrid, that offer a US style education.

Madrid Estate works with a network of educational experts to ensure your family’s relocation to Madrid is smooth and seamless. You can contact our founder Fabiana Greci directly at fabiana@madrid-estate.com or WhatsApp +34 680 306 337 to learn how we can help with your family’s relocation to Madrid.

Madrid

Madrid is an excellent place to raise kids. This is especially true if you want them to have a more relaxed childhood with neighbors and friends playing a role in their upbringing. Here are some of the pros of raising kids in Madrid.

Lower cost of living

Paris is much more expensive than Madrid. This is particularly true when it comes to housing; real estate in Paris is the most expensive in Europe. To put this in perspective, a family of four should budget at least €5,000–€7,000 per month for a comfortable lifestyle in Madrid, including rent and private schooling. Conversely, in Paris, the cost of living for an expat family of four typically ranges from €3,500 to €6,500 per month, excluding rent.

Relaxed attitude towards kids

Spain has a very relaxed, inclusive attitude towards children. For example, if you go out to dinner it is perfectly acceptable for them to run around and play. Kids tend not to have strict bed times; parents often take them out to late dinners or allow them to run around and play in plazas late at night.

Navigating public transport is much easier

The Madrid Metro is very clean and organized. Although it can be crowded during rush hours, when people come and go from work, it is typically much less crowded than the Paris Metro. The Madrid bus network is extensive and very easy to navigate with small children.

Low crime

Madrid is a very safe city, especially compared to Paris. The city has a strong and very visible police presence. There is a plethora of undercover police officers, especially in the Metro and the city center.

Many outdoor activities

Madrid has many child friendly museums, such as the Natural History Museum and The Robot Museum. Madrid’s real strength lies in its parks, playgrounds and ample sporting opportunities. The weather in Madrid is much better than that in Paris, so the outdoor activities for children are much better. For older children there are many hiking trails in the mountains to the north of Madrid.

Cons

Although there are many positive aspects of raising kids in Madrid, there are a few that many expats may struggle with.

Spanish culture values family connections

Multi-generational interaction is common, and children tend to grow up in a social environment where extended family plays an active role. If you walk in a park after school, you will see mostly grandparents caring for the children, as opposed to parents or nannies. Although this may sound ideal, you may feel a little left out if you come only with your nuclear family. Moreover, as many people have their parents care for their kids during working hours, the childcare options aren’t as robust as they are in Paris.

Kids are typically not encouraged to be independent

Spanish parents and grandparents dote on children. This is a lovely sentiment but doesn’t always foster independence, particularly at early ages.

Lack of discipline

Because kids are so cherished in Spanish society, discipline isn’t always a strong suit. This is especially apparent at mealtimes, particularly when contrasted with kids in Paris that sit calmly through meals.

Paris

As we mentioned earlier, the cost of living in Paris is much higher than that in Madrid. According to Expatistan, the cost of living in Paris is 35% higher than that in Madrid. However, Paris definitely has some positive aspects when it comes to raising children, depending upon your preferences.

Better and broader museum offerings

Although Madrid has some excellent museums, Paris has a much wider range of options. Kids love the Natural History Museum. It is situated in the Jardin des Plantes, which is a wonderful place for them to play. There are many other museums that kids find interesting, or you can take them to sail little boats in The Luxembourg Gardens.

More rigorous education in French schools

French schools are known for offering very rigorous educations. Your child may learn Mandarin, economics or even about fashion. However, they typically require a lot of homework. Thus if a very structured education is something you want for your child, Paris may be the best city for raising kids.

More disciplined environment

French parenting often emphasizes clear rules and boundaries, including a focus on family meals, particularly dinner. If you want to raise your children in a highly disciplined manner, you will likely prefer Paris to Madrid.

Kids are typically encouraged to be independent

Children are often encouraged to be self-reliant, often running errands, such as visiting the boulangerie, at a young age.

Many childcare options

Because France doesn’t have the emphasis on grandparents caring for children, and the female labor force participation rate in Paris is relatively high, there are many childcare options. These include private, associative and family-run nurseries, called crèches. In addition, many French children are looked after by qualified childminders called nounou or assistantes maternelles. After the age of three, childcare in France is free. 

Interestingly, 60% of French children participate in early childhood education, which is one of the highest rates for OECD countries.

In summary, most people find Madrid the best city for raising kids. However, if discipline and structure are important components of your child raising goals, you might feel more comfortable in Paris.

To learn more about how Madrid Estate can help you and your family comfortably relocate to Madrid, you can contact our founder directly at fabiana@madrid-estate.com or WhatsApp +34 680 306 337 to discuss your relocation plans.