City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Marseille vs Rome — 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.
Rome
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 48.6 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Rome.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Marseille | Rome | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $728 | $832 | $104 |
| Groceries | $293 | $226 | +$67 |
| Dining Out | $168 | $148 | +$20 |
| Transportation | $61 | $25 | +$36 |
| Utilities | $141 | $145 | $4 |
| Other / Misc | $109 | $124 | $15 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Marseille
$1,500
per month
Rome equivalent
$1,898
per month
You'd need $1,898/mo in Rome 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 Rome on $1,500/month?
In Rome, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $832 rent, $226 groceries, $148 dining.
Is Marseille or Rome cheaper?
Marseille is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Marseille 38.4 vs Rome 48.6 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Marseille worth in Rome?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Marseille equals ~$1,898/mo in Rome using COL adjustment.