City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lyon vs Marseille — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Lyon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lyon.
Marseille
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 38.4 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Marseille.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lyon | Marseille | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $744 | $728 | +$16 |
| Groceries | $283 | $293 | $10 |
| Dining Out | $168 | $168 | $0 |
| Transportation | $59 | $61 | $2 |
| Utilities | $136 | $141 | $5 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $109 | +$1 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lyon
$1,500
per month
Marseille equivalent
$1,429
per month
Only $1,429/mo in Marseille matches $1,500/mo in Lyon — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Lyon on $1,500/month?
Living in Lyon on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$744 to rent, $283 to groceries, $168 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 Lyon or Marseille cheaper?
Marseille is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lyon 40.3 vs Marseille 38.4 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lyon worth in Marseille?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lyon equals ~$1,429/mo in Marseille using COL adjustment.