Austin vs Berlin vs Istanbul vs Larnaca vs Mexico City vs Seoul vs Valencia

Austin 🇺🇸
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Berlin 🇩🇪
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Istanbul 🇹🇷
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Larnaca 🇨🇾
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Mexico City 🇲🇽
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Seoul 🇰🇷
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Valencia 🇪🇸
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Population 926,426 3,400,000 15,520,000 144,900 8,850,000 9,963,452 834,000
Official language(s) English (de facto) German Turkish Greek Spanish Korean Spanish, Valencian
Level of English Very high Very high Low High Moderate Moderate Moderate
Main airport Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) Berlin Tegel (TXL) Istanbul Airport (IST) Larnaca International Airport (LCA) Mexico City International Airport (MEX) Incheon International Airport (ICN) Valencia Manises Airport (VLC)
Most common months to visit March - May, September - November May - September April - June, September and October March - May, October - December March - May, October, November March - May, September - November March - June, September, October
Currency USD - US Dollar ($) EUR - Euro (€) TRY - Turkish Lira (₺) EUR - Euro (€) MXN - Mexican Peso ($) KRW - South Korean won (₩) EUR - Euro (€)
Credit cards Accepted almost everywhere Accepted in some places but cash often preferred Accepted in most places Accepted everywhere Widely accepted (less with AMEX) Accepted everywhere Accepted almost everywhere
Remote worker visa No Yes No No Yes No Yes
Average monthly costs $3484 $2200 $659 $1959 $1867 $2184 $1976
Rent $1650 $939 $354 $678 $778 $797 $869
Groceries $243 $188 $44 $157 $281 $356 $146
Dining out $396 $271 $81 $261 $182 $211 $292
Cafe $66 $57 $18 $56 $49 $69 $42
Coworking space $331 $174 $49 $209 $159 $222 $152
Mobile internet $40 $23 $3 $35 $25 $40 $16
Public transportation $110 $88 $6 $63 $11 $40 $38
Taxis $73 $58 $6 $42 $9 $41 $42
Shared bicycles and scooters $96 $17 $2 $45 $24 $13 $30
Sport and cultural events $54 $64 $11 $28 $81 $39 $73
Museums and sights $11 $37 $15 $8 $20 $6 $44
Nightlife $124 $63 $22 $110 $64 $93 $66
Gym $62 $66 $9 $107 $69 $69 $34
Yoga $139 $99 $23 $105 $65 $112 $87
Massage $89 $56 $15 $54 $51 $75 $45
SIM card options AT&T, T-Mobile. Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone Turkcell, Turk Telekom Primetel, Cytamobile-Vodafone and Epic/MTN Telcel, Movistar KT, SK Telecom, LG Uplus Vodafone, Orange
Tipping 15-20% at restaurants, 1USD or more per drink at cafes and bars Round up for restaurants, not common for bars and services Tip 5-10% in restaurants, cafés and bars 10% usually added and expected at restaurants, round up at bars 10-15% for restaurants, bars and services Not customary or expected Round up for good service at restaurants, not common at bars
Taxi apps Uber, Lyft Mytaxi, Uber BiTaksi nTaxi Uber Uber, Kakao Cabify, FreeNow
Tap water Drinkable Drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable 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 A fusion of cultures creates diverse dishes with bulgur, koftes, stews, eggplants and fish Mediterranean style with emphasis on seafood, meats, olives, cheesed and traditional sauces. Some food with Middle Eastern influences as well.. Corn, beans, tortillas and chili peppers typically alongside meat and cheese Emphasis on rice, vegetables, spices and meats. Main dishes are coupled with diverse side dishes and desserts. Strong driking culture. Mediterranean style using vegetables, seafoods and meats
Local food specialities Frito pie, queso, apple pie, kolaches, BBQ ribs, tacos Currywurst, spätzle, königsberger klopse, schnitzel, eisbein, doner kebab, pretzels Döner, İçli Köfte, Dondurma, Karnıyarık, Turkish delight Souvlaki, sheftalia, kleftiko, stifado, halloumi, koukepia and moussaka Enchiladas, torta de chilaquiles, esquites, quesadillas, tlacoyos, tacos, tostadas Kimchi, bulgogi, chap chae, mandu, sam gae tang, bossam Paella, fideuà, esgarrat, orxata, bunyols
Eat like a local Local tex-mex restaurants, lunch BBQ joints, taquerias, food trucks, local breweries Brew pubs, cafes, bars, deli shops Traditional breakfasts, street stalls for simit, lahmacun and kokorec, Turkish coffee Opt for smaller, outside eateries and taverns serving traditional foods. Fast food kebab shops and falafel bars offer authentic options, too. Markets, food stalls, menú del día (cheap set lunch menus) Smaller, local eateries (sikdang), street stalls and local markets Tapas bars, markets, menu del dia (cheap set lunches)
Vegetarian / vegan options 30 options on HappyCow 844 listings on Happy Cow 59 listings on Happy Cow 14 options on HappyCow, but non-meat Mediterranean/Middle Eastern options are always available 279 listings on Happy Cow 57 options on Happy Cow 98 listings on Happy Cow