Berlin vs Bucharest vs Istanbul vs Madrid vs Mexico City

Berlin 🇩🇪
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Bucharest 🇷🇴
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Istanbul 🇹🇷
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Madrid 🇪🇸
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Mexico City 🇲🇽
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Population 3,400,000 1,830,000 15,520,000 6,578,0179 8,850,000
Official language(s) German Romanian Turkish Spanish Spanish
Level of English Very high High Low Moderate Moderate
Main airport Berlin Tegel (TXL) Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) Istanbul Airport (IST) Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) Mexico City International Airport (MEX)
Most common months to visit May - September April - October April - June, September and October March - May, September - November March - May, October, November
Currency EUR - Euro (€) RON - Romanian Leu (L) TRY - Turkish Lira (₺) EUR - Euro (€) MXN - Mexican Peso ($)
Credit cards Accepted in some places but cash often preferred Accepted almost everywhere Accepted in most places Accepted everywhere Widely accepted (less with AMEX)
Remote worker visa Yes No No Yes Yes
Average monthly costs $2200 $1351 $659 $2498 $1867
Rent $939 $615 $354 $1174 $778
Groceries $188 $114 $44 $175 $281
Dining out $271 $165 $81 $313 $182
Cafe $57 $38 $18 $51 $49
Coworking space $174 $133 $49 $196 $159
Mobile internet $23 $7 $3 $10 $25
Public transportation $88 $21 $6 $78 $11
Taxis $58 $9 $6 $44 $9
Shared bicycles and scooters $17 $25 $2 $49 $24
Sport and cultural events $64 $29 $11 $54 $81
Museums and sights $37 $29 $15 $20 $20
Nightlife $63 $45 $22 $82 $64
Gym $66 $30 $9 $44 $69
Yoga $99 $59 $23 $142 $65
Massage $56 $31 $15 $64 $51
SIM card options Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone Vodafone, Orange Turkcell, Turk Telekom Orange, Movistar, Vodafone Telcel, Movistar
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. 10-15% for restaurants, bars and services
Taxi apps Mytaxi, Uber Star Taxi, Uber BiTaksi Uber, Cabify, MyTaxi Free Now Uber
Tap water Drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable 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 Fresh, regional produce accentuated with garlic and olive oil and mixed with various meats and seafoods. Influenced both by Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern flavors. Corn, beans, tortillas and chili peppers typically alongside meat and cheese
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 Enchiladas, torta de chilaquiles, esquites, quesadillas, tlacoyos, tacos, tostadas
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! Markets, food stalls, menú del día (cheap set lunch menus)
Vegetarian / vegan options 844 listings on Happy Cow 33 listings on Happy Cow 59 listings on Happy Cow 85 listings on Happy Cow 279 listings on Happy Cow