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Barcelona 🇪🇸
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Madrid 🇪🇸
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Playa del Carmen 🇲🇽
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Porto 🇵🇹
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| Population | 5,585,556 | 6,578,0179 | 259,453 | 237,559 |
| Official language(s) | Catalan, Spanish | Spanish | Spanish | Portuguese |
| Level of English | High | Moderate | Moderate | Very High |
| Main airport | Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) | Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) | Cancun International Airport (CUN) | Francisco Sá Carneiro International Airport (OPO) |
| Most common months to visit | April - June, September - November | March - May, September - November | January - May, October - December | May - September |
| Currency | EUR - Euro (€) | EUR - Euro (€) | MXN - Mexican Peso ($) | EUR - Euro (€) |
| Credit cards | Accepted almost evewhere | Accepted everywhere | Accepted almost everywhere | Accepted everywhere |
| Remote worker visa | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Average monthly costs | $2384 | $2498 | $2143 | $1759 |
| Rent | $932 | $1174 | $923 | $717 |
| Groceries | $121 | $175 | $127 | $148 |
| Dining out | $403 | $313 | $207 | $280 |
| Cafe | $45 | $51 | $42 | $45 |
| Coworking space | $213 | $196 | $160 | $96 |
| Mobile internet | $10 | $10 | $21 | $21 |
| Public transportation | $127 | $78 | $17 | $95 |
| Taxis | $48 | $44 | $9 | $25 |
| Shared bicycles and scooters | $24 | $49 | $49 | $10 |
| Sport and cultural events | $81 | $54 | $97 | $45 |
| Museums and sights | $33 | $20 | $217 | $24 |
| Nightlife | $112 | $82 | $77 | $66 |
| Gym | $81 | $44 | $42 | $56 |
| Yoga | $93 | $142 | $54 | $82 |
| Massage | $59 | $64 | $101 | $48 |
| SIM card options | Vodafone, Movistar | Orange, Movistar, Vodafone | Telcel, Movistar | Vodafone, MEO, NOS |
| Tipping | 5-10% in restaurants if service is exceptional, not expected elsewhere | Not customary or expected but small tips are appreciated. | 10-15% for restaurants | 5-10% at restaurants if happy with service, not expected at cafes or bars |
| Taxi apps | Cabify, FreeNow | Uber, Cabify, MyTaxi Free Now | N/A | Uber, MyTaxi, Cabify |
| Tap water | Drinkable | 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. | Fresh, regional produce accentuated with garlic and olive oil and mixed with various meats and seafoods. Influenced both by Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern flavors. | Staple dishes from maize, beans, sweet potato and avocado along with meat, chili peppers and other spices | A variety of meats often mixed with fresh legumes and vegetables. Emphasis on rich seafood dishes and creamy desserts. |
| Local food specialities | Paella, bombas, esqueixada, pa amb tomáquet, escalivada, crema Catalana, gazpacho, chorizo | Paella, tapas, tortilla, gazpacho, pulpo a la gallega, callos a la madrileña, churros | Chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, chile rellenos, cochinita pibil, tostadas, pozole | Bacalhau, Alheira de Mirandela, Francesinha, queido da serra da estrela, tripas a moda do Oporto, pasteis de chaves, tarte de amendoa |
| Eat like a local | Taverns, tapas bars, local markets, bodegas and street food spots | 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! | Taco stands, esquite stalls, El Fogon, El Pirata, Dona Mary's | Local taverns, terraces, markets, tascas, churrascarias and local sports bars |
| Vegetarian / vegan options | 98 options on HappyCow | 85 listings on Happy Cow | 72 listings on Happy Cow | 46 options on Happy Cow |