City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Marseille vs Lyon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Marseille
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 38.4 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Marseille.
Lyon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lyon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Marseille | Lyon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $728 | $744 | $16 |
| Groceries | $293 | $283 | +$10 |
| Dining Out | $168 | $168 | $0 |
| Transportation | $61 | $59 | +$2 |
| Utilities | $141 | $136 | +$5 |
| Other / Misc | $109 | $110 | $1 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Marseille
$1,500
per month
Lyon equivalent
$1,574
per month
You'd need $1,574/mo in Lyon to match $1,500/mo in Marseille.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Marseille on $1,500/month?
Living in Marseille on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$728 to rent, $293 to groceries, $168 to dining.
Can I live in Lyon on $1,500/month?
In Lyon, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $744 rent, $283 groceries, $168 dining.
Is Marseille or Lyon cheaper?
Marseille is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Marseille 38.4 vs Lyon 40.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Marseille worth in Lyon?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Marseille equals ~$1,574/mo in Lyon using COL adjustment.