Berlin vs Bucharest vs Istanbul vs Larnaca

Berlin 🇩🇪
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Bucharest 🇷🇴
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Istanbul 🇹🇷
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Larnaca 🇨🇾
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Population 3,400,000 1,830,000 15,520,000 144,900
Official language(s) German Romanian Turkish Greek
Level of English Very high High Low High
Main airport Berlin Tegel (TXL) Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) Istanbul Airport (IST) Larnaca International Airport (LCA)
Most common months to visit May - September April - October April - June, September and October March - May, October - December
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 No
Average monthly costs $2200 $1351 $659 $1959
Rent $939 $615 $354 $678
Groceries $188 $114 $44 $157
Dining out $271 $165 $81 $261
Cafe $57 $38 $18 $56
Coworking space $174 $133 $49 $209
Mobile internet $23 $7 $3 $35
Public transportation $88 $21 $6 $63
Taxis $58 $9 $6 $42
Shared bicycles and scooters $17 $25 $2 $45
Sport and cultural events $64 $29 $11 $28
Museums and sights $37 $29 $15 $8
Nightlife $63 $45 $22 $110
Gym $66 $30 $9 $107
Yoga $99 $59 $23 $105
Massage $56 $31 $15 $54
SIM card options Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone Vodafone, Orange Turkcell, Turk Telekom Primetel, Cytamobile-Vodafone and Epic/MTN
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 10% usually added and expected at restaurants, round up at bars
Taxi apps Mytaxi, Uber Star Taxi, Uber BiTaksi nTaxi
Tap water Drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Not 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 Mediterranean style with emphasis on seafood, meats, olives, cheesed and traditional sauces. Some food with Middle Eastern influences as well..
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 Souvlaki, sheftalia, kleftiko, stifado, halloumi, koukepia and moussaka
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 Opt for smaller, outside eateries and taverns serving traditional foods. Fast food kebab shops and falafel bars offer authentic options, too.
Vegetarian / vegan options 844 listings on Happy Cow 33 listings on Happy Cow 59 listings on Happy Cow 14 options on HappyCow, but non-meat Mediterranean/Middle Eastern options are always available