The difference is that Paris, just like many EU cities, has a very different layout from most US cities. The city of Paris actually compares to inner cities, with suburbs being other cities around. The difference is that most integration between Paris (Paris and its immediate surroundings concentrates most of the workplaces) and the suburbs is done by public transportation, and that the inner city infrastructure can't support the affluence of cars cars.

The kind of large families like you have are very rare in paris, for multiple reasons : -it's easier to afford more space/a house outside of Paris. The people that can afford large housing in Paris definitely can afford alternative solutions. -Having a large family and having to care for it by yourself means you rather have a car (e.g. to drive children to school, activities, vacations, etc). Having a car in Paris is not a good idea. -Cities outside paris are usually more friendly to families : it's easier for schools to take the kids in woods for sports activities or hikes, sports facilities are more accessible, etc. -Also, more families outside of Paris means that your children will grow in a neighbourhood with families. There's little for children to do outside of home/school in Paris.

Btw, your grocery list feels like your family is around 15-20 people. Families are considered large from 2 adults/4 children here. While it was common before the boomers' generation, families with more than 6 children are almost non-existent now. Also housing 15-20 people decently in Paris probably means you could hire people to take care of groceries...

(also lasting snow is maybe once-a-year in Paris these days, and it's usually chaos these days)