Barcelona vs Budapest vs Istanbul vs Larnaca vs Lisbon

Barcelona 🇪🇸
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Budapest 🇭🇺
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Istanbul 🇹🇷
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Larnaca 🇨🇾
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Lisbon 🇵🇹
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Population 5,585,556 1,768,073 15,520,000 144,900 517,000
Official language(s) Catalan, Spanish Hungarian Turkish Greek Portuguese
Level of English High High Low High Very high
Main airport Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) Budapest Ferihegy International Airport (BUD) Istanbul Airport (IST) Larnaca International Airport (LCA) Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS)
Most common months to visit April - June, September - November March - June, September - November April - June, September and October March - May, October - December March - May, September, October
Currency EUR - Euro (€) HUF - Hungarian Forint (Ft) TRY - Turkish Lira (₺) EUR - Euro (€) EUR - Euro (€)
Credit cards Accepted almost evewhere Accepted almost everywhere, cash needed for small shops Accepted in most places Accepted everywhere Accepted almost everywhere (less for AMEX)
Remote worker visa Yes No No No Yes
Average monthly costs $2384 $1230 $659 $1959 $1984
Rent $932 $499 $354 $678 $965
Groceries $121 $108 $44 $157 $136
Dining out $403 $202 $81 $261 $271
Cafe $45 $29 $18 $56 $37
Coworking space $213 $120 $49 $209 $164
Mobile internet $10 $9 $3 $35 $24
Public transportation $127 $36 $6 $63 $63
Taxis $48 $27 $6 $42 $27
Shared bicycles and scooters $24 $13 $2 $45 $18
Sport and cultural events $81 $24 $11 $28 $29
Museums and sights $33 $7 $15 $8 $24
Nightlife $112 $43 $22 $110 $47
Gym $81 $37 $9 $107 $65
Yoga $93 $48 $23 $105 $65
Massage $59 $26 $15 $54 $50
SIM card options Vodafone, Movistar Vodafone, Telenor Turkcell, Turk Telekom Primetel, Cytamobile-Vodafone and Epic/MTN Vodafone
Tipping 5-10% in restaurants if service is exceptional, not expected elsewhere 10 - 15% at restaurants and bars Tip 5-10% in restaurants, cafés and bars 10% usually added and expected at restaurants, round up at bars 5-10% for restaurants, not common at bars
Taxi apps Cabify, FreeNow Bolt, Fotaxi BiTaksi nTaxi Uber, FreeNow
Tap water Drinkable Drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable 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. 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 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.. Fresh seafood, meats, soup, sausages and famous pastries
Local food specialities Paella, bombas, esqueixada, pa amb tomáquet, escalivada, crema Catalana, gazpacho, chorizo Goulash, Fisherman's soup, Főzelék, Somloi Galuska, Pörkölt and Paprikás, Kürtös Kalács, Hungarian Lecsó, Lángos Döner, İçli Köfte, Dondurma, Karnıyarık, Turkish delight Souvlaki, sheftalia, kleftiko, stifado, halloumi, koukepia and moussaka Bacalhau à bras, sardinhas, petiscos, leitão, polvo à lagareiro, pasteis de nata, bifana
Eat like a local Taverns, tapas bars, local markets, bodegas and street food spots Local markets, cafés, taverns, street food, traditional restaurants 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. Tascas, snack bars, seafood restaurants
Vegetarian / vegan options 98 options on HappyCow 47 options on HappyCow 59 listings on Happy Cow 14 options on HappyCow, but non-meat Mediterranean/Middle Eastern options are always available 401 listings on Happy Cow