City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Amsterdam vs Marseille — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Amsterdam
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 65.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Amsterdam.
Marseille
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 38.4 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Marseille.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Amsterdam | Marseille | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $930 | $728 | +$202 |
| Groceries | $168 | $293 | $125 |
| Dining Out | $119 | $168 | $49 |
| Transportation | $49 | $61 | $12 |
| Utilities | $94 | $141 | $47 |
| Other / Misc | $140 | $109 | +$31 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Amsterdam
$1,500
per month
Marseille equivalent
$879
per month
Only $879/mo in Marseille matches $1,500/mo in Amsterdam — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Amsterdam on $1,500/month?
Living in Amsterdam on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$930 to rent, $168 to groceries, $119 to dining.
Can I live in Marseille on $1,500/month?
In Marseille, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $728 rent, $293 groceries, $168 dining.
Is Amsterdam or Marseille cheaper?
Marseille is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Amsterdam 65.5 vs Marseille 38.4 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Amsterdam worth in Marseille?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Amsterdam equals ~$879/mo in Marseille using COL adjustment.