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Barcelona 🇪🇸
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Berlin 🇩🇪
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Madrid 🇪🇸
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Mexico City 🇲🇽
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Playa del Carmen 🇲🇽
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| Population | 5,585,556 | 3,400,000 | 6,578,0179 | 8,850,000 | 259,453 |
| Official language(s) | Catalan, Spanish | German | Spanish | Spanish | Spanish |
| Level of English | High | Very high | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Main airport | Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) | Berlin Tegel (TXL) | Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) | Mexico City International Airport (MEX) | Cancun International Airport (CUN) |
| Most common months to visit | April - June, September - November | May - September | March - May, September - November | March - May, October, November | January - May, October - December |
| Currency | EUR - Euro (€) | EUR - Euro (€) | EUR - Euro (€) | MXN - Mexican Peso ($) | MXN - Mexican Peso ($) |
| Credit cards | Accepted almost evewhere | Accepted in some places but cash often preferred | Accepted everywhere | Widely accepted (less with AMEX) | Accepted almost everywhere |
| Remote worker visa | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Average monthly costs | $2384 | $2200 | $2498 | $1867 | $2143 |
| Rent | $932 | $939 | $1174 | $778 | $923 |
| Groceries | $121 | $188 | $175 | $281 | $127 |
| Dining out | $403 | $271 | $313 | $182 | $207 |
| Cafe | $45 | $57 | $51 | $49 | $42 |
| Coworking space | $213 | $174 | $196 | $159 | $160 |
| Mobile internet | $10 | $23 | $10 | $25 | $21 |
| Public transportation | $127 | $88 | $78 | $11 | $17 |
| Taxis | $48 | $58 | $44 | $9 | $9 |
| Shared bicycles and scooters | $24 | $17 | $49 | $24 | $49 |
| Sport and cultural events | $81 | $64 | $54 | $81 | $97 |
| Museums and sights | $33 | $37 | $20 | $20 | $217 |
| Nightlife | $112 | $63 | $82 | $64 | $77 |
| Gym | $81 | $66 | $44 | $69 | $42 |
| Yoga | $93 | $99 | $142 | $65 | $54 |
| Massage | $59 | $56 | $64 | $51 | $101 |
| SIM card options | Vodafone, Movistar | Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone | Orange, Movistar, Vodafone | Telcel, Movistar | Telcel, Movistar |
| Tipping | 5-10% in restaurants if service is exceptional, not expected elsewhere | Round up for restaurants, not common for bars and services | Not customary or expected but small tips are appreciated. | 10-15% for restaurants, bars and services | 10-15% for restaurants |
| Taxi apps | Cabify, FreeNow | Mytaxi, Uber | Uber, Cabify, MyTaxi Free Now | Uber | N/A |
| Tap water | Drinkable | Drinkable | Drinkable | Not drinkable | Not drinkable |
| Overall cuisine | Catalan cuisine makes extensive use of Mediterranean vegetables, legumes mixed with pork in its many varieties, chicken and fish. Regularly mixes sweet and savory flavors in specific dishes. This cuisine is known for being bold in flavor and striking in color, with a variety of specific regional dishes found the culinary hub that is Barcelona. | Heavy and hearty meals with plenty of meat, potatoes and bread | Fresh, regional produce accentuated with garlic and olive oil and mixed with various meats and seafoods. Influenced both by Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern flavors. | Corn, beans, tortillas and chili peppers typically alongside meat and cheese | Staple dishes from maize, beans, sweet potato and avocado along with meat, chili peppers and other spices |
| Local food specialities | Paella, bombas, esqueixada, pa amb tomáquet, escalivada, crema Catalana, gazpacho, chorizo | Currywurst, spätzle, königsberger klopse, schnitzel, eisbein, doner kebab, pretzels | Paella, tapas, tortilla, gazpacho, pulpo a la gallega, callos a la madrileña, churros | Enchiladas, torta de chilaquiles, esquites, quesadillas, tlacoyos, tacos, tostadas | Chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, chile rellenos, cochinita pibil, tostadas, pozole |
| Eat like a local | Taverns, tapas bars, local markets, bodegas and street food spots | Brew pubs, cafes, bars, deli shops | 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! | Markets, food stalls, menú del día (cheap set lunch menus) | Taco stands, esquite stalls, El Fogon, El Pirata, Dona Mary's |
| Vegetarian / vegan options | 98 options on HappyCow | 844 listings on Happy Cow | 85 listings on Happy Cow | 279 listings on Happy Cow | 72 listings on Happy Cow |