City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lisbon vs Marseille — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Lisbon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 43.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lisbon.
Marseille
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 38.4 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Marseille.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lisbon | Marseille | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $892 | $728 | +$164 |
| Groceries | $208 | $293 | $85 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $168 | $33 |
| Transportation | $34 | $61 | $27 |
| Utilities | $98 | $141 | $43 |
| Other / Misc | $133 | $109 | +$24 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lisbon
$1,500
per month
Marseille equivalent
$1,315
per month
Only $1,315/mo in Marseille matches $1,500/mo in Lisbon — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Lisbon on $1,500/month?
Living in Lisbon on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$892 to rent, $208 to groceries, $135 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 Lisbon or Marseille cheaper?
Marseille is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lisbon 43.8 vs Marseille 38.4 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lisbon worth in Marseille?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lisbon equals ~$1,315/mo in Marseille using COL adjustment.