Austin vs Barcelona vs Chiang Mai vs Madrid vs Playa del Carmen

Austin ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ
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Barcelona ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ
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Chiang Mai ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ญ
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Madrid ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ
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Playa del Carmen ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ
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Population 926,426 5,585,556 1,166,978 6,578,0179 259,453
Official language(s) English (de facto) Catalan, Spanish Thai Spanish Spanish
Level of English Very high High Low Moderate Moderate
Main airport Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Most common months to visit March - May, September - November April - June, September - November November - April March - May, September - November January - May, October - December
Currency USD - US Dollar ($) EUR - Euro (โ‚ฌ) THB - Thai Baht (เธฟ) EUR - Euro (โ‚ฌ) MXN - Mexican Peso ($)
Credit cards Accepted almost everywhere Accepted almost evewhere Accepted sometimes. Cash preferred in many places. Accepted everywhere Accepted almost everywhere
Remote worker visa No Yes No Yes Yes
Average monthly costs $3484 $2384 $974 $2498 $2143
Rent $1650 $932 $274 $1174 $923
Groceries $243 $121 $169 $175 $127
Dining out $396 $403 $108 $313 $207
Cafe $66 $45 $45 $51 $42
Coworking space $331 $213 $95 $196 $160
Mobile internet $40 $10 $11 $10 $21
Public transportation $110 $127 $60 $78 $17
Taxis $73 $48 $20 $44 $9
Shared bicycles and scooters $96 $24 $10 $49 $49
Sport and cultural events $54 $81 $8 $54 $97
Museums and sights $11 $33 $8 $20 $217
Nightlife $124 $112 $62 $82 $77
Gym $62 $81 $41 $44 $42
Yoga $139 $93 $55 $142 $54
Massage $89 $59 $10 $64 $101
SIM card options AT&T, T-Mobile. Vodafone, Movistar AIS, DTAC 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 10% at restaurants, not customary or expected elsewhere Not customary or expected but small tips are appreciated. 10-15% for restaurants
Taxi apps Uber, Lyft Cabify, FreeNow Grab Uber, Cabify, MyTaxi Free Now N/A
Tap water Drinkable Drinkable Not 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. Combines salty, sweet, spicy and sour flavors to create bold and colorful dishes. Meals typically include a mixture of meat and seafood dishes, as well as noodles or soups recipes. Strong emphasis on local spices and vegetables. Fresh, regional produce accentuated with garlic and olive oil and mixed with various meats and seafoods. Influenced both by Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern flavors. Staple dishes from maize, beans, sweet potato and avocado along with meat, chili peppers and other spices
Local food specialities Frito pie, queso, apple pie, kolaches, BBQ ribs, tacos Paella, bombas, esqueixada, pa amb tomรกquet, escalivada, crema Catalana, gazpacho, chorizo Khao soi, khan toke, sai oua, miang kham, nam prik, khanom jeen nam ngiaw, larb khua Paella, tapas, tortilla, gazpacho, pulpo a la gallega, callos a la madrileรฑa, churros Chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, chile rellenos, cochinita pibil, tostadas, pozole
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 Street food stalls, local markets, bakeries and smaller, traditional restaurants that serve fresh food 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! Taco stands, esquite stalls, El Fogon, El Pirata, Dona Mary's
Vegetarian / vegan options 30 options on HappyCow 98 options on HappyCow 90 options on HappyCow 85 listings on Happy Cow 72 listings on Happy Cow