Berlin vs Bucharest vs Istanbul vs Madrid

Berlin 🇩🇪
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Bucharest 🇷🇴
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Istanbul 🇹🇷
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Madrid 🇪🇸
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Population 3,400,000 1,830,000 15,520,000 6,578,0179
Official language(s) German Romanian Turkish Spanish
Level of English Very high High Low Moderate
Main airport Berlin Tegel (TXL) Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) Istanbul Airport (IST) Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)
Most common months to visit May - September April - October April - June, September and October March - May, September - November
Currency EUR - Euro (€) RON - Romanian Leu (L) TRY - Turkish Lira (₺) EUR - Euro (€)
Credit cards Accepted in some places but cash often preferred Accepted almost everywhere Accepted in most places Accepted everywhere
Remote worker visa Yes No No Yes
Average monthly costs $2200 $1351 $659 $2498
Rent $939 $615 $354 $1174
Groceries $188 $114 $44 $175
Dining out $271 $165 $81 $313
Cafe $57 $38 $18 $51
Coworking space $174 $133 $49 $196
Mobile internet $23 $7 $3 $10
Public transportation $88 $21 $6 $78
Taxis $58 $9 $6 $44
Shared bicycles and scooters $17 $25 $2 $49
Sport and cultural events $64 $29 $11 $54
Museums and sights $37 $29 $15 $20
Nightlife $63 $45 $22 $82
Gym $66 $30 $9 $44
Yoga $99 $59 $23 $142
Massage $56 $31 $15 $64
SIM card options Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone Vodafone, Orange Turkcell, Turk Telekom Orange, Movistar, Vodafone
Tipping Round up for restaurants, not common for bars and services 5% - 10% at restaurants, 5% - 10% tip for services is appreciated but not expected, round up for taxis Tip 5-10% in restaurants, cafés and bars Not customary or expected but small tips are appreciated.
Taxi apps Mytaxi, Uber Star Taxi, Uber BiTaksi Uber, Cabify, MyTaxi Free Now
Tap water Drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Drinkable
Overall cuisine Heavy and hearty meals with plenty of meat, potatoes and bread Wide range of meat and fish dishes, soups, salads and cheeses influenced by German, Hungarian, Turkish, Greek and Ukrainian cuisine. A fusion of cultures creates diverse dishes with bulgur, koftes, stews, eggplants and fish Fresh, regional produce accentuated with garlic and olive oil and mixed with various meats and seafoods. Influenced both by Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern flavors.
Local food specialities Currywurst, spätzle, königsberger klopse, schnitzel, eisbein, doner kebab, pretzels Sarmale, mămăligă, mici, ciolan cu fasole, ciorbă de burtă, covrig, papanasi Döner, İçli Köfte, Dondurma, Karnıyarık, Turkish delight Paella, tapas, tortilla, gazpacho, pulpo a la gallega, callos a la madrileña, churros
Eat like a local Brew pubs, cafes, bars, deli shops Set lunch menus, cafe terraces, cofeterias Traditional breakfasts, street stalls for simit, lahmacun and kokorec, Turkish coffee 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!
Vegetarian / vegan options 844 listings on Happy Cow 33 listings on Happy Cow 59 listings on Happy Cow 85 listings on Happy Cow