City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Rome vs Marseille — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Rome
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 48.6 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Rome.
Marseille
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 38.4 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Marseille.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Rome | Marseille | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $832 | $728 | +$104 |
| Groceries | $226 | $293 | $67 |
| Dining Out | $148 | $168 | $20 |
| Transportation | $25 | $61 | $36 |
| Utilities | $145 | $141 | +$4 |
| Other / Misc | $124 | $109 | +$15 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Rome
$1,500
per month
Marseille equivalent
$1,185
per month
Only $1,185/mo in Marseille matches $1,500/mo in Rome — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Rome on $1,500/month?
Living in Rome on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$832 to rent, $226 to groceries, $148 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 Rome or Marseille cheaper?
Marseille is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Rome 48.6 vs Marseille 38.4 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Rome worth in Marseille?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Rome equals ~$1,185/mo in Marseille using COL adjustment.