Austin vs Chiang Mai vs Madrid vs Medellin vs Mexico City

Austin ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ
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Chiang Mai ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ญ
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Madrid ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ
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Medellin ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ด
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Mexico City ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ
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Population 926,426 1,166,978 6,578,0179 2,427,000 8,850,000
Official language(s) English (de facto) Thai Spanish Spanish Spanish
Level of English Very high Low Moderate Low Moderate
Main airport Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) Josรฉ Marรญa Cรณrdova International Airport (MDE) Mexico City International Airport (MEX)
Most common months to visit March - May, September - November November - April March - May, September - November January - April, December March - May, October, November
Currency USD - US Dollar ($) THB - Thai Baht (เธฟ) EUR - Euro (โ‚ฌ) COP - Colombian Peso ($) MXN - Mexican Peso ($)
Credit cards Accepted almost everywhere Accepted sometimes. Cash preferred in many places. Accepted everywhere Accepted in some places Widely accepted (less with AMEX)
Remote worker visa No No Yes No Yes
Average monthly costs $3484 $974 $2498 $1293 $1867
Rent $1650 $274 $1174 $732 $778
Groceries $243 $169 $175 $87 $281
Dining out $396 $108 $313 $131 $182
Cafe $66 $45 $51 $18 $49
Coworking space $331 $95 $196 $96 $159
Mobile internet $40 $11 $10 $16 $25
Public transportation $110 $60 $78 $21 $11
Taxis $73 $20 $44 $14 $9
Shared bicycles and scooters $96 $10 $49 $0 $24
Sport and cultural events $54 $8 $54 $8 $81
Museums and sights $11 $8 $20 $9 $20
Nightlife $124 $62 $82 $73 $64
Gym $62 $41 $44 $15 $69
Yoga $139 $55 $142 $54 $65
Massage $89 $10 $64 $20 $51
SIM card options AT&T, T-Mobile. AIS, DTAC Orange, Movistar, Vodafone Claro, Tigo Telcel, Movistar
Tipping 15-20% at restaurants, 1USD or more per drink at cafes and bars 10% at restaurants, not customary or expected elsewhere Not customary or expected but small tips are appreciated. Tip 10% in restaurants 10-15% for restaurants, bars and services
Taxi apps Uber, Lyft Grab Uber, Cabify, MyTaxi Free Now EasyTaxi Uber
Tap water Drinkable Not drinkable 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. 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. A blend of indigenous and European traditions with rice, maize, cassava, assorted legumes, and meats Corn, beans, tortillas and chili peppers typically alongside meat and cheese
Local food specialities Frito pie, queso, apple pie, kolaches, BBQ ribs, tacos 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 Bandeja paisa, ajiaco, mondongo, empanada, and arepa 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 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! Street stalls for empanada and arepa with cheese, restaurants for traditional Colombian food Markets, food stalls, menรบ del dรญa (cheap set lunch menus)
Vegetarian / vegan options 30 options on HappyCow 90 options on HappyCow 85 listings on Happy Cow 153 listings on Happy Cow 279 listings on Happy Cow