Austin vs Berlin vs Bucharest vs Budapest vs Chiang Mai vs Madrid

Austin 🇺🇸
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Berlin 🇩🇪
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Bucharest 🇷🇴
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Budapest 🇭🇺
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Chiang Mai 🇹🇭
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Madrid 🇪🇸
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Population 926,426 3,400,000 1,830,000 1,768,073 1,166,978 6,578,0179
Official language(s) English (de facto) German Romanian Hungarian Thai Spanish
Level of English Very high Very high High High Low Moderate
Main airport Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) Berlin Tegel (TXL) Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) Budapest Ferihegy International Airport (BUD) Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)
Most common months to visit March - May, September - November May - September April - October March - June, September - November November - April March - May, September - November
Currency USD - US Dollar ($) EUR - Euro (€) RON - Romanian Leu (L) HUF - Hungarian Forint (Ft) THB - Thai Baht (฿) EUR - Euro (€)
Credit cards Accepted almost everywhere Accepted in some places but cash often preferred Accepted almost everywhere Accepted almost everywhere, cash needed for small shops Accepted sometimes. Cash preferred in many places. Accepted everywhere
Remote worker visa No Yes No No No Yes
Average monthly costs $3484 $2200 $1351 $1230 $974 $2498
Rent $1650 $939 $615 $499 $274 $1174
Groceries $243 $188 $114 $108 $169 $175
Dining out $396 $271 $165 $202 $108 $313
Cafe $66 $57 $38 $29 $45 $51
Coworking space $331 $174 $133 $120 $95 $196
Mobile internet $40 $23 $7 $9 $11 $10
Public transportation $110 $88 $21 $36 $60 $78
Taxis $73 $58 $9 $27 $20 $44
Shared bicycles and scooters $96 $17 $25 $13 $10 $49
Sport and cultural events $54 $64 $29 $24 $8 $54
Museums and sights $11 $37 $29 $7 $8 $20
Nightlife $124 $63 $45 $43 $62 $82
Gym $62 $66 $30 $37 $41 $44
Yoga $139 $99 $59 $48 $55 $142
Massage $89 $56 $31 $26 $10 $64
SIM card options AT&T, T-Mobile. Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone Vodafone, Orange Vodafone, Telenor AIS, DTAC Orange, Movistar, Vodafone
Tipping 15-20% at restaurants, 1USD or more per drink at cafes and bars Round up for restaurants, not common for bars and services 5% - 10% at restaurants, 5% - 10% tip for services is appreciated but not expected, round up for taxis 10 - 15% at restaurants and bars 10% at restaurants, not customary or expected elsewhere Not customary or expected but small tips are appreciated.
Taxi apps Uber, Lyft Mytaxi, Uber Star Taxi, Uber Bolt, Fotaxi Grab Uber, Cabify, MyTaxi Free Now
Tap water Drinkable Drinkable Not drinkable Drinkable Not drinkable Drinkable
Overall cuisine Emphasis on barbecued meats (beef and pork) as well as corn-based dishes and tex-mex, and rich American-style desserts. Heavy and hearty meals with plenty of meat, potatoes and bread Wide range of meat and fish dishes, soups, salads and cheeses influenced by German, Hungarian, Turkish, Greek and Ukrainian cuisine. 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. 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.
Local food specialities Frito pie, queso, apple pie, kolaches, BBQ ribs, tacos Currywurst, spätzle, königsberger klopse, schnitzel, eisbein, doner kebab, pretzels Sarmale, mămăligă, mici, ciolan cu fasole, ciorbă de burtă, covrig, papanasi Goulash, Fisherman's soup, Főzelék, Somloi Galuska, Pörkölt and Paprikás, Kürtös Kalács, Hungarian Lecsó, Lángos 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 madrileña, churros
Eat like a local Local tex-mex restaurants, lunch BBQ joints, taquerias, food trucks, local breweries Brew pubs, cafes, bars, deli shops Set lunch menus, cafe terraces, cofeterias Local markets, cafés, taverns, street food, traditional restaurants 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!
Vegetarian / vegan options 30 options on HappyCow 844 listings on Happy Cow 33 listings on Happy Cow 47 options on HappyCow 90 options on HappyCow 85 listings on Happy Cow