Austin vs Hanoi vs Istanbul vs Madrid vs Medellin vs Mexico City

Austin 🇺🇸
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Hanoi 🇻🇳
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Istanbul 🇹🇷
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Madrid 🇪🇸
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Medellin 🇨🇴
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Mexico City 🇲🇽
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Population 926,426 8,053,663 15,520,000 6,578,0179 2,427,000 8,850,000
Official language(s) English (de facto) Vietnamese Turkish Spanish Spanish Spanish
Level of English Very high Moderate Low Moderate Low Moderate
Main airport Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) Nội Bài International Airport (HAN) Istanbul Airport (IST) Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) Mexico City International Airport (MEX)
Most common months to visit March - May, September - November January, February, October - December April - June, September and October March - May, September - November January - April, December March - May, October, November
Currency USD - US Dollar ($) VND - Vietnamese Dong (₫) TRY - Turkish Lira (₺) EUR - Euro (€) COP - Colombian Peso ($) MXN - Mexican Peso ($)
Credit cards Accepted almost everywhere Accepted in some places. Cash often preferred. Accepted in most places Accepted everywhere Accepted in some places Widely accepted (less with AMEX)
Remote worker visa No No No Yes No Yes
Average monthly costs $3484 $1167 $659 $2498 $1293 $1867
Rent $1650 $503 $354 $1174 $732 $778
Groceries $243 $151 $44 $175 $87 $281
Dining out $396 $134 $81 $313 $131 $182
Cafe $66 $39 $18 $51 $18 $49
Coworking space $331 $72 $49 $196 $96 $159
Mobile internet $40 $4 $3 $10 $16 $25
Public transportation $110 $20 $6 $78 $21 $11
Taxis $73 $13 $6 $44 $14 $9
Shared bicycles and scooters $96 $0 $2 $49 $0 $24
Sport and cultural events $54 $3 $11 $54 $8 $81
Museums and sights $11 $4 $15 $20 $9 $20
Nightlife $124 $89 $22 $82 $73 $64
Gym $62 $57 $9 $44 $15 $69
Yoga $139 $57 $23 $142 $54 $65
Massage $89 $21 $15 $64 $20 $51
SIM card options AT&T, T-Mobile. Viettel, Mobifone Turkcell, Turk Telekom Orange, Movistar, Vodafone Claro, Tigo Telcel, Movistar
Tipping 15-20% at restaurants, 1USD or more per drink at cafes 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 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, GoViet BiTaksi Uber, Cabify, MyTaxi Free Now EasyTaxi Uber
Tap water Drinkable Not 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. 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 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 Pho, cha ca, Vietnamese coffee, pastries and breads Döner, İçli Köfte, Dondurma, Karnıyarık, Turkish delight Paella, tapas, tortilla, gazpacho, pulpo a la gallega, callos a la madrileña, 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 Noodle Houses, Bakeries, Coffee and Tea Houses, street food Traditional breakfasts, street stalls for simit, lahmacun and kokorec, Turkish coffee 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, menú del día (cheap set lunch menus)
Vegetarian / vegan options 30 options on HappyCow 104 listings on Happy Cow 59 listings on Happy Cow 85 listings on Happy Cow 153 listings on Happy Cow 279 listings on Happy Cow