City Comparison
Marseille vs Lyon
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Marseille is ~5% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Marseille
France
COL+Rent
38.4
Rent Index
19.2
Groceries
51.2
Restaurant
45.3
Lyon
France
COL+Rent
40.3
Rent Index
21
Groceries
53
Restaurant
47.6
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Marseille | Lyon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $849 | $932 | $83 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $608 | $666 | $58 |
| Groceries | $293 | $304 | $11 |
| Restaurant Meal | $14 | $15 | $1 |
| Transit Pass | $61 | $63 | $2 |
| Utilities | $141 | $146 | $5 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Marseille | Lyon |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,071/mo | $1,148/mo |
| Typical | $1,554/mo | $1,670/mo |
| Comfortable | $1,950/mo | $2,096/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Marseille | ≈ in Lyon | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,574/mo | +$74 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,099/mo | +$99 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,148/mo | +$148 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Marseille or Lyon cheaper to live in?
Marseille is approximately 5% cheaper overall. Marseille's COL+Rent Index is 38.4 vs Lyon's 40.3 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Marseille vs Lyon?
A 1BR in Marseille city center costs ~$849/mo vs $932/mo in Lyon. Outside the center: $608 vs $666.
What is $2,000/month in Marseille worth in Lyon?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Marseille has the purchasing power of approximately $2,099/month in Lyon.
Are groceries cheaper in Marseille or Lyon?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $293 in Marseille vs $304 in Lyon. Groceries Index: 51.2 vs 53 (NYC = 100).