Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

United States

France
Based on our comparison, Marseille wins 5 out of 8 categories.Chicago wins 3 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Chicago and Marseille, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Marseille
$1,644/mo
Best Internet
Chicago
220 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Marseille
6.1/10
Our Recommendation: Marseille is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.
When comparing Chicago and Marseille for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Marseille is the more budget-friendly option at $1,644/month versus Chicago's $3,310/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Chicago leads with 220 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Marseille offers 200 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 3.4/10, Chicago provides a more secure environment than Marseille (3.3/10).
Overall: Marseille's NomadIQ score of 6.1/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Marseille is 50% cheaper than Chicago.
Chicago has a higher safety score (3.4/10) compared to Marseille (3.3/10).
3.4/10
Chicago
3.3/10
Marseille
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Chicago offers faster internet at 220 Mbps vs 200 Mbps.
220 Mbps
Chicago
200 Mbps
Marseille
Based on our analysis, Marseille edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 5 of 8 comparison factors.
Chicago: Best for those prioritizing amenities
Marseille: Best for budget-conscious expats
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