Austin vs Barcelona vs Berlin vs Budapest vs Madrid vs Mexico City

Austin 🇺🇸
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Barcelona 🇪🇸
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Berlin 🇩🇪
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Budapest 🇭🇺
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Madrid 🇪🇸
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Mexico City 🇲🇽
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Population 926,426 5,585,556 3,400,000 1,768,073 6,578,0179 8,850,000
Official language(s) English (de facto) Catalan, Spanish German Hungarian Spanish Spanish
Level of English Very high High Very high High Moderate Moderate
Main airport Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) Berlin Tegel (TXL) Budapest Ferihegy International Airport (BUD) Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) Mexico City International Airport (MEX)
Most common months to visit March - May, September - November April - June, September - November May - September March - June, September - November March - May, September - November March - May, October, November
Currency USD - US Dollar ($) EUR - Euro (€) EUR - Euro (€) HUF - Hungarian Forint (Ft) EUR - Euro (€) MXN - Mexican Peso ($)
Credit cards Accepted almost everywhere Accepted almost evewhere Accepted in some places but cash often preferred Accepted almost everywhere, cash needed for small shops Accepted everywhere Widely accepted (less with AMEX)
Remote worker visa No Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Average monthly costs $3484 $2384 $2200 $1230 $2498 $1867
Rent $1650 $932 $939 $499 $1174 $778
Groceries $243 $121 $188 $108 $175 $281
Dining out $396 $403 $271 $202 $313 $182
Cafe $66 $45 $57 $29 $51 $49
Coworking space $331 $213 $174 $120 $196 $159
Mobile internet $40 $10 $23 $9 $10 $25
Public transportation $110 $127 $88 $36 $78 $11
Taxis $73 $48 $58 $27 $44 $9
Shared bicycles and scooters $96 $24 $17 $13 $49 $24
Sport and cultural events $54 $81 $64 $24 $54 $81
Museums and sights $11 $33 $37 $7 $20 $20
Nightlife $124 $112 $63 $43 $82 $64
Gym $62 $81 $66 $37 $44 $69
Yoga $139 $93 $99 $48 $142 $65
Massage $89 $59 $56 $26 $64 $51
SIM card options AT&T, T-Mobile. Vodafone, Movistar Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone Vodafone, Telenor Orange, Movistar, Vodafone Telcel, Movistar
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 10 - 15% at restaurants and bars Not customary or expected but small tips are appreciated. 10-15% for restaurants, bars and services
Taxi apps Uber, Lyft Cabify, FreeNow Mytaxi, Uber Bolt, Fotaxi Uber, Cabify, MyTaxi Free Now Uber
Tap water Drinkable Drinkable Drinkable Drinkable 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 Magyar cuisine makes extensive use of creams, cheeses and sauces primarily in beef, chicken and pork dishes, mixed with seasonal vegetables, fruits and rich desserts. Fresh, regional produce accentuated with garlic and olive oil and mixed with various meats and seafoods. Influenced both by Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern flavors. Corn, beans, tortillas and chili peppers typically alongside meat and cheese
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 Goulash, Fisherman's soup, Főzelék, Somloi Galuska, Pörkölt and Paprikás, Kürtös Kalács, Hungarian Lecsó, Lángos Paella, tapas, tortilla, gazpacho, pulpo a la gallega, callos a la madrileña, churros Enchiladas, torta de chilaquiles, esquites, quesadillas, tlacoyos, tacos, tostadas
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 Local markets, cafés, taverns, street food, traditional restaurants Have some tapas and sangria at a tasca and paella at an authentic eatery. Keep an eye on the time and visit a cafeteria for a mid-afternoon merienda and some churros! Markets, food stalls, menú del día (cheap set lunch menus)
Vegetarian / vegan options 30 options on HappyCow 98 options on HappyCow 844 listings on Happy Cow 47 options on HappyCow 85 listings on Happy Cow 279 listings on Happy Cow