Cost of Living in Marseille, France
France · Europe
$2,500
Monthly Cost
avg/person
72
Cost Index
NYC=100
65
Rent Index
NYC=100
72
Quality of Life
Good
44
Safety Index
Below Average
0.9M
Population
EUR
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $14 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $58 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $9.5 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $4.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $5 |
| Cappuccino | $3.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $2.8 |
| Water (0.33L) | $1.8 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.1 |
| Bread (500g) | $1.7 |
| Rice (1kg) | $1.7 |
| Eggs (12) | $3.2 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $8.5 |
| Beef (1kg) | $13 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2.8 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1.4 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Potato (1kg) | $1.4 |
| Onion (1kg) | $1.1 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.85 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $1.7 |
| Monthly Pass | $55 |
| Taxi 1km | $2 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.9 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $27000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $22000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $165 |
| Mobile Plan | $21 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $34 |
| Fitness Club/month | $48 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $1,000/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $700/mo |
| 3BR Center | $2,100/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $1,350/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $4,800/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $3,000/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $2300 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 3.5% |
Cost of Living in Marseille — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Marseille, France is approximately $2,500 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Marseille has a cost index of 72, making it around 28% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Marseille costs around $700/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $1,000/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $2,100/month. The rent index is 65 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Marseille scores 72/100 on the quality of life index and 44/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 86/100. The climate index is 84/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Marseille is approximately $2,300/month. With a purchasing power index of 68/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is EUR, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Marseille
The average monthly salary in Marseille is approximately $2,300. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $2,500, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 68/100.
Healthcare Costs in Marseille
Healthcare quality in Marseille is rated 86/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Marseille
Marseille has a quality of life score of 72/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Marseille
Students living in Marseille should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Marseille
Expats moving to Marseille often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Marseille, France is approximately $2,500 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 72 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Marseille
Living in Marseille offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 72 and a quality of life score of 72/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $2,300 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Marseille provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in France and around the world.
Key Facts About Marseille
- Average Monthly Cost: $2,500
- Cost Index: 72
- Rent Index: 65
- Average Salary: $2,300
- Quality of Life: 72/100
- Safety Score: 44/100
- Country: France
- Currency: EUR
Is Marseille Expensive?
Marseille has a cost index of 72 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Marseille compare to other cities?
Marseille is located in Europe with a population of approximately 0.9M. At a cost index of 72 (NYC = 100), it is a moderately affordable city, offering good value compared to most Western cities. Use the free comparison tool to see how Marseille stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Marseille?
The average cost of living in Marseille, France is approximately $2,500 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 72 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Marseille?
Rent in Marseille varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 65 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Marseille alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Marseille expensive to live in?
Marseille has a cost index of 72 compared to New York City (100). At 72, Marseille is moderately priced and more affordable than most Western cities. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $2,500.
What is the quality of life in Marseille?
Marseille has a quality of life index of 72/100 and a safety index of 44/100. The city is located in Europe and offers a good quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Marseille compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Marseille with any city worldwide. Marseille's cost index is 72 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Marseille?
Many residents live comfortably in Marseille with a monthly budget of around $2,500 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Marseille good for expats?
Marseille is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Marseille?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $2,500 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Marseille.
Is Marseille cheaper than New York?
Yes, Marseille has a cost index of 72 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Marseille?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Marseille.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Marseille
Cheapest Ways to Live in Marseille
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Marseille typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $700/month compared to $1,000/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Marseille, France.
Is Marseille Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 68/100 and a quality of life score of 72/100, Marseille is considered a highly desirable relocation destination with strong infrastructure and services. Combined with a cost index of 72 relative to New York City, Marseille remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living France has to offer against other destinations in Europe.
Marseille Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Marseille", "Marseille monthly expenses 2026", and "is Marseille affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $2,500, a safety score of 44/100, and healthcare rated 86/100, Marseille offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to France.
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Last reviewed: 7/4/2026