City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Tokyo vs Marseille — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Tokyo
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 41.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Tokyo.
Marseille
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 38.4 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Marseille.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Tokyo | Marseille | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $725 | $728 | $3 |
| Groceries | $316 | $293 | +$23 |
| Dining Out | $107 | $168 | $61 |
| Transportation | $63 | $61 | +$2 |
| Utilities | $180 | $141 | +$39 |
| Other / Misc | $109 | $109 | $0 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Tokyo
$1,500
per month
Marseille equivalent
$1,388
per month
Only $1,388/mo in Marseille matches $1,500/mo in Tokyo — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Tokyo on $1,500/month?
Living in Tokyo on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$725 to rent, $316 to groceries, $107 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 Tokyo or Marseille cheaper?
Marseille is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Tokyo 41.5 vs Marseille 38.4 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Tokyo worth in Marseille?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Tokyo equals ~$1,388/mo in Marseille using COL adjustment.