City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Marseille vs Tokyo — 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.
Tokyo
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 41.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Tokyo.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Marseille | Tokyo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $728 | $725 | +$3 |
| Groceries | $293 | $316 | $23 |
| Dining Out | $168 | $107 | +$61 |
| Transportation | $61 | $63 | $2 |
| Utilities | $141 | $180 | $39 |
| Other / Misc | $109 | $109 | $0 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Marseille
$1,500
per month
Tokyo equivalent
$1,621
per month
You'd need $1,621/mo in Tokyo 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 Tokyo on $1,500/month?
In Tokyo, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $725 rent, $316 groceries, $107 dining.
Is Marseille or Tokyo cheaper?
Marseille is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Marseille 38.4 vs Tokyo 41.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Marseille worth in Tokyo?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Marseille equals ~$1,621/mo in Tokyo using COL adjustment.