City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Montreal vs Marseille — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Montreal
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 44.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Montreal.
Marseille
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 38.4 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Marseille.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Montreal | Marseille | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $856 | $728 | +$128 |
| Groceries | $231 | $293 | $62 |
| Dining Out | $142 | $168 | $26 |
| Transportation | $52 | $61 | $9 |
| Utilities | $90 | $141 | $51 |
| Other / Misc | $129 | $109 | +$20 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Montreal
$1,500
per month
Marseille equivalent
$1,294
per month
Only $1,294/mo in Marseille matches $1,500/mo in Montreal — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Montreal on $1,500/month?
Living in Montreal on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$856 to rent, $231 to groceries, $142 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 Montreal or Marseille cheaper?
Marseille is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Montreal 44.5 vs Marseille 38.4 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Montreal worth in Marseille?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Montreal equals ~$1,294/mo in Marseille using COL adjustment.