Barcelona vs Madrid vs Playa del Carmen

Barcelona ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ
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Madrid ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ
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Playa del Carmen ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ
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Population 5,585,556 6,578,0179 259,453
Official language(s) Catalan, Spanish Spanish Spanish
Level of English High Moderate Moderate
Main airport Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Most common months to visit April - June, September - November March - May, September - November January - May, October - December
Currency EUR - Euro (โ‚ฌ) EUR - Euro (โ‚ฌ) MXN - Mexican Peso ($)
Credit cards Accepted almost evewhere Accepted everywhere Accepted almost everywhere
Remote worker visa Yes Yes Yes
Average monthly costs $2384 $2498 $2143
Rent $932 $1174 $923
Groceries $121 $175 $127
Dining out $403 $313 $207
Cafe $45 $51 $42
Coworking space $213 $196 $160
Mobile internet $10 $10 $21
Public transportation $127 $78 $17
Taxis $48 $44 $9
Shared bicycles and scooters $24 $49 $49
Sport and cultural events $81 $54 $97
Museums and sights $33 $20 $217
Nightlife $112 $82 $77
Gym $81 $44 $42
Yoga $93 $142 $54
Massage $59 $64 $101
SIM card options Vodafone, Movistar Orange, Movistar, Vodafone Telcel, Movistar
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
Taxi apps Cabify, FreeNow Uber, Cabify, MyTaxi Free Now N/A
Tap water Drinkable 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. 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
Local food specialities Paella, bombas, esqueixada, pa amb tomรกquet, escalivada, crema Catalana, gazpacho, chorizo Paella, tapas, tortilla, gazpacho, pulpo a la gallega, callos a la madrileรฑa, churros Chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, chile rellenos, cochinita pibil, tostadas, pozole
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
Vegetarian / vegan options 98 options on HappyCow 85 listings on Happy Cow 72 listings on Happy Cow