Austin vs Budapest vs Hanoi vs Istanbul vs Mexico City vs Tbilisi

Austin 🇺🇸
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Budapest 🇭🇺
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Hanoi 🇻🇳
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Istanbul 🇹🇷
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Mexico City 🇲🇽
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Tbilisi 🇬🇪
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Population 926,426 1,768,073 8,053,663 15,520,000 8,850,000 1,108,700
Official language(s) English (de facto) Hungarian Vietnamese Turkish Spanish Georgian
Level of English Very high High Moderate Low Moderate Low
Main airport Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) Budapest Ferihegy International Airport (BUD) Nội Bài International Airport (HAN) Istanbul Airport (IST) Mexico City International Airport (MEX) Tbilisi International Airport (TBS)
Most common months to visit March - May, September - November March - June, September - November January, February, October - December April - June, September and October March - May, October, November March - June
Currency USD - US Dollar ($) HUF - Hungarian Forint (Ft) VND - Vietnamese Dong (₫) TRY - Turkish Lira (₺) MXN - Mexican Peso ($) GEL - Georgian Lari (₾)
Credit cards Accepted almost everywhere Accepted almost everywhere, cash needed for small shops Accepted in some places. Cash often preferred. Accepted in most places Widely accepted (less with AMEX) Accepted everywhere
Remote worker visa No No No No Yes Yes
Average monthly costs $3484 $1230 $1167 $659 $1867 $1462
Rent $1650 $499 $503 $354 $778 $752
Groceries $243 $108 $151 $44 $281 $112
Dining out $396 $202 $134 $81 $182 $169
Cafe $66 $29 $39 $18 $49 $45
Coworking space $331 $120 $72 $49 $159 $125
Mobile internet $40 $9 $4 $3 $25 $4
Public transportation $110 $36 $20 $6 $11 $8
Taxis $73 $27 $13 $6 $9 $14
Shared bicycles and scooters $96 $13 $0 $2 $24 $27
Sport and cultural events $54 $24 $3 $11 $81 $21
Museums and sights $11 $7 $4 $15 $20 $9
Nightlife $124 $43 $89 $22 $64 $53
Gym $62 $37 $57 $9 $69 $33
Yoga $139 $48 $57 $23 $65 $37
Massage $89 $26 $21 $15 $51 $53
SIM card options AT&T, T-Mobile. Vodafone, Telenor Viettel, Mobifone Turkcell, Turk Telekom Telcel, Movistar Magti GSM, Geocell, Beeline
Tipping 15-20% at restaurants, 1USD or more per drink at cafes and bars 10 - 15% at restaurants and bars Not required but appreciated, especially in taxis, restaurants and bars. Round up or add 10%. Tip 5-10% in restaurants, cafés and bars 10-15% for restaurants, bars and services 10% usually included in bill, not expected at bars or cafés.
Taxi apps Uber, Lyft Bolt, Fotaxi Grab, GoViet BiTaksi Uber Yandex, Bolt
Tap water Drinkable Drinkable Not 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. 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. A mix of French, Southeast Asian and Chinese with lots of fresh herbs and spices. Northern Vietnam cuisine includes a lot of fish and noodles. A fusion of cultures creates diverse dishes with bulgur, koftes, stews, eggplants and fish Corn, beans, tortillas and chili peppers typically alongside meat and cheese Cuisine of the Caucasus meets regional diversity in Georgia. Emphasis on spices and meats (poultry, beef, pork and mutton) as well as soups and creams.
Local food specialities Frito pie, queso, apple pie, kolaches, BBQ ribs, tacos Goulash, Fisherman's soup, Főzelék, Somloi Galuska, Pörkölt and Paprikás, Kürtös Kalács, Hungarian Lecsó, Lángos Pho, cha ca, Vietnamese coffee, pastries and breads Döner, İçli Köfte, Dondurma, Karnıyarık, Turkish delight Enchiladas, torta de chilaquiles, esquites, quesadillas, tlacoyos, tacos, tostadas Kachapuri, kuchmachi, khinkali, chikhirtma, kharcho with gomi, jonjoli
Eat like a local Local tex-mex restaurants, lunch BBQ joints, taquerias, food trucks, local breweries Local markets, cafés, taverns, street food, traditional restaurants Noodle Houses, Bakeries, Coffee and Tea Houses, street food Traditional breakfasts, street stalls for simit, lahmacun and kokorec, Turkish coffee Markets, food stalls, menú del día (cheap set lunch menus) Small local restaurants, open bars, terraces and wine bars
Vegetarian / vegan options 30 options on HappyCow 47 options on HappyCow 104 listings on Happy Cow 59 listings on Happy Cow 279 listings on Happy Cow 10 options on Happy Cow