Austin vs Barcelona vs Berlin vs Istanbul vs Larnaca vs Medellin

Austin 🇺🇸
Remove
Barcelona 🇪🇸
Remove
Berlin 🇩🇪
Remove
Istanbul 🇹🇷
Remove
Larnaca 🇨🇾
Remove
Medellin 🇨🇴
Remove
Population 926,426 5,585,556 3,400,000 15,520,000 144,900 2,427,000
Official language(s) English (de facto) Catalan, Spanish German Turkish Greek Spanish
Level of English Very high High Very high Low High Low
Main airport Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) Berlin Tegel (TXL) Istanbul Airport (IST) Larnaca International Airport (LCA) José María Córdova International Airport (MDE)
Most common months to visit March - May, September - November April - June, September - November May - September April - June, September and October March - May, October - December January - April, December
Currency USD - US Dollar ($) EUR - Euro (€) EUR - Euro (€) TRY - Turkish Lira (₺) EUR - Euro (€) COP - Colombian Peso ($)
Credit cards Accepted almost everywhere Accepted almost evewhere Accepted in some places but cash often preferred Accepted in most places Accepted everywhere Accepted in some places
Remote worker visa No Yes Yes No No No
Average monthly costs $3484 $2384 $2200 $659 $1959 $1293
Rent $1650 $932 $939 $354 $678 $732
Groceries $243 $121 $188 $44 $157 $87
Dining out $396 $403 $271 $81 $261 $131
Cafe $66 $45 $57 $18 $56 $18
Coworking space $331 $213 $174 $49 $209 $96
Mobile internet $40 $10 $23 $3 $35 $16
Public transportation $110 $127 $88 $6 $63 $21
Taxis $73 $48 $58 $6 $42 $14
Shared bicycles and scooters $96 $24 $17 $2 $45 $0
Sport and cultural events $54 $81 $64 $11 $28 $8
Museums and sights $11 $33 $37 $15 $8 $9
Nightlife $124 $112 $63 $22 $110 $73
Gym $62 $81 $66 $9 $107 $15
Yoga $139 $93 $99 $23 $105 $54
Massage $89 $59 $56 $15 $54 $20
SIM card options AT&T, T-Mobile. Vodafone, Movistar Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone Turkcell, Turk Telekom Primetel, Cytamobile-Vodafone and Epic/MTN Claro, Tigo
Tipping 15-20% at restaurants, 1USD or more per drink at cafes and bars 5-10% in restaurants if service is exceptional, not expected elsewhere Round up for restaurants, not common for bars and services Tip 5-10% in restaurants, cafés and bars 10% usually added and expected at restaurants, round up at bars Tip 10% in restaurants
Taxi apps Uber, Lyft Cabify, FreeNow Mytaxi, Uber BiTaksi nTaxi EasyTaxi
Tap water Drinkable Drinkable Drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable
Overall cuisine Emphasis on barbecued meats (beef and pork) as well as corn-based dishes and tex-mex, and rich American-style desserts. Catalan cuisine makes extensive use of Mediterranean vegetables, legumes mixed with pork in its many varieties, chicken and fish. Regularly mixes sweet and savory flavors in specific dishes. This cuisine is known for being bold in flavor and striking in color, with a variety of specific regional dishes found the culinary hub that is Barcelona. Heavy and hearty meals with plenty of meat, potatoes and bread A fusion of cultures creates diverse dishes with bulgur, koftes, stews, eggplants and fish Mediterranean style with emphasis on seafood, meats, olives, cheesed and traditional sauces. Some food with Middle Eastern influences as well.. A blend of indigenous and European traditions with rice, maize, cassava, assorted legumes, and meats
Local food specialities Frito pie, queso, apple pie, kolaches, BBQ ribs, tacos Paella, bombas, esqueixada, pa amb tomáquet, escalivada, crema Catalana, gazpacho, chorizo Currywurst, spätzle, königsberger klopse, schnitzel, eisbein, doner kebab, pretzels Döner, İçli Köfte, Dondurma, Karnıyarık, Turkish delight Souvlaki, sheftalia, kleftiko, stifado, halloumi, koukepia and moussaka Bandeja paisa, ajiaco, mondongo, empanada, and arepa
Eat like a local Local tex-mex restaurants, lunch BBQ joints, taquerias, food trucks, local breweries Taverns, tapas bars, local markets, bodegas and street food spots Brew pubs, cafes, bars, deli shops Traditional breakfasts, street stalls for simit, lahmacun and kokorec, Turkish coffee Opt for smaller, outside eateries and taverns serving traditional foods. Fast food kebab shops and falafel bars offer authentic options, too. Street stalls for empanada and arepa with cheese, restaurants for traditional Colombian food
Vegetarian / vegan options 30 options on HappyCow 98 options on HappyCow 844 listings on Happy Cow 59 listings on Happy Cow 14 options on HappyCow, but non-meat Mediterranean/Middle Eastern options are always available 153 listings on Happy Cow