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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Marseille 2024
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Old Port Area of Marseille, France


Cost of Living in Marseille

By Betsy Burlingame

French Riviera House Hunting - FRH
French Riviera House Hunting - FRH

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Marseille helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Apartment Rentals The average cost of renting an apartment in Marseille is €1,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and €1,400 per month for a two-bedroom apartment. Prices can vary depending on the size, location, and amenities of the apartment.
Apartment Purchases The average cost of purchasing an apartment in Marseille is €3,000 per square meter. Prices can vary depending on the size, location, and amenities of the apartment.
Transportation The cost of public transportation in Marseille is €1.90 for a single ticket and €14.90 for a monthly pass. The cost of a taxi ride in Marseille is €2.50 for the first kilometer and €1.50 for each additional kilometer.
Groceries The average cost of groceries in Marseille is €50 per week for a family of four. Prices can vary depending on the type and quantity of food purchased.
Restaurants The average cost of a meal at a restaurant in Marseille is €15 per person. Prices can vary depending on the type of restaurant and the type of meal.
Utilities The average cost of utilities in Marseille is €150 per month for a family of four. This includes electricity, water, gas, and internet.
Private School Tuition The average cost of private school tuition in Marseille is €5,000 per year for preschool, €7,000 per year for elementary school, €9,000 per year for middle school, and €12,000 per year for high school.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Marseille

"This of course depends widely on where you live and what luxuries you will require. To give you an good idea you can find a city centre one bedroom apartment for about 700Euro and a three course meal at a restaurant generally costs me about 50Euro. Groceries are much cheaper then restaurants of course," said one expat living in Marseille.

"The cost of living in Marseille, is considered moderate compared to other major cities in France. Rent is relatively affordable, especially when compared to cities like Paris. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center may cost around half of what it would in Paris. Utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water are also reasonably priced, as is the cost of internet services. Groceries in Marseille are priced moderately, with local markets offering fresh produce at reasonable prices. Eating out in Marseille can vary greatly in price, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant being quite affordable, while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant can be more expensive.Public transportation in Marseille is also reasonably priced, with various options available including buses, trams, and a metro system. Healthcare in France is known for its high quality and is accessible to all residents, although private health insurance can add to monthly expenses. Overall, while the cost of living in Marseille can vary depending on lifestyle and personal spending habits, it is generally considered to be more affordable than many other major cities in France," wrote a member in Marseille.

Can I live in Marseille on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Marseille for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like La Belle de Mai, La Timone, or Saint-Louis. These neighborhoods are more affordable than others, but they might not be as modern or as close to the city center as you'd like.On the other hand, you should avoid neighborhoods like Le Panier, Vieux-Port, or La Joliette, as they tend to be more expensive and touristy. Rent will be your biggest expense, so finding a small apartment or sharing a flat with roommates will help you save money. You can expect to pay around $600-$800 for a small studio or a room in a shared apartment in the more affordable neighborhoods.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Public transportation in Marseille is relatively affordable, with a monthly pass costing around $60. However, if you're used to having a car, you might need to give that up, as owning a car in the city can be expensive due to parking fees, insurance, and gas.When it comes to food, you'll need to be smart about your grocery shopping and eating out. Shopping at local markets and discount supermarkets like Lidl or Aldi can help you save money on groceries. Eating out can be expensive, so try to limit that to special occasions or opt for more affordable options like kebab shops or local bakeries.Finally, you'll need to be mindful of your entertainment and leisure expenses. Going out for drinks or to the movies can add up quickly, so try to find free or low-cost activities to do in the city. There are plenty of parks, museums, and cultural events that you can enjoy without breaking the bank.In conclusion, living in Marseille on $1,500 a month is possible, but you'll need to make some sacrifices and be smart about your spending. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being mindful of your transportation, food, and entertainment expenses, you can make it work and enjoy your time in this beautiful city," commented an expat living in Marseille.

Can I live in Marseille on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Marseille for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices and be smart about your spending. First, you'll want to avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like Le Panier, Vieux-Port, and La Joliette. Instead, consider more affordable areas like La Belle de Mai, La Plaine, or La Timone. These neighborhoods still have a lot to offer, but the cost of living is much more reasonable.When it comes to housing, you'll probably have to settle for a smaller apartment or a shared living situation to keep your rent within budget. You can expect to pay around $800 to $1,200 a month for a one-bedroom apartment in an affordable neighborhood. Utilities and internet will likely add another $100 to $150 a month.For transportation, I recommend using public transit instead of owning a car. A monthly transit pass costs around $60, and the city's bus, tram, and metro systems are quite reliable. If you need a car occasionally, there are car-sharing services available.Eating out can be expensive in Marseille, so you'll want to cook at home as much as possible. Groceries are relatively affordable, and you can find fresh produce at local markets. If you do want to eat out, look for more budget-friendly options like kebab shops or small local restaurants.Entertainment and leisure activities can also add up, so you'll have to be selective about what you do. There are plenty of free or low-cost events and attractions in the city, like visiting the beaches, parks, or museums on their free admission days. Going to the movies or out for drinks with friends will need to be an occasional treat rather than a regular occurrence.Overall, living in Marseille on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cutting back on dining out, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful city," said one expat living in Marseille.

Can I live in Marseille on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Marseille for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. Of course, you might have to make some sacrifices, but nothing too drastic. For example, you might not be able to dine out at fancy restaurants every night or live in the most upscale neighborhoods, but you can still enjoy a good quality of life.When it comes to finding a place to live, I'd recommend looking into more affordable neighborhoods like La Plaine, Cours Julien, or La Belle de Mai. These areas have a mix of modern and older buildings, and you can find a decent apartment for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. They're also quite lively, with plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants nearby.On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Le Panier, Le Roucas Blanc, or L'Estaque. These areas are beautiful and have a lot of charm, but the cost of living is significantly higher, and you might struggle to make ends meet on a $5,000 a month budget.As for other expenses, groceries and utilities are relatively affordable in Marseille. You can expect to spend around $300 to $400 a month on groceries and about $100 to $150 on utilities, depending on your usage. Public transportation is also quite affordable, with a monthly pass costing around $60.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Marseille. You can enjoy the city's beautiful parks and beaches, visit museums on their free admission days, or attend one of the many festivals and events that take place throughout the year.Overall, I think you can live quite comfortably in Marseille on a $5,000 a month budget, as long as you're willing to make some compromises and be mindful of your spending. It's a beautiful city with a lot to offer, and I'm sure you'll enjoy your time here," commented an expat living in Marseille.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


French Riviera House Hunting - FRH
French Riviera House Hunting - FRH

French Riviera House Hunting - FRH
French Riviera House Hunting - FRH

Old Port Area of Marseille, France

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SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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