Berlin vs Cape Town vs Madrid vs Medellin vs Mexico City vs Panama City

Berlin 🇩🇪
Remove
Cape Town 🇿🇦
Remove
Madrid 🇪🇸
Remove
Medellin 🇨🇴
Remove
Mexico City 🇲🇽
Remove
Panama City 🇵🇦
Remove
Population 3,400,000 4,617,560 6,578,0179 2,427,000 8,850,000 880,691
Official language(s) German Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English Spanish Spanish Spanish Spanish
Level of English Very high Very high Moderate Low Moderate Low
Main airport Berlin Tegel (TXL) Cape Town International Airport (CPT) Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) Mexico City International Airport (MEX) Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Most common months to visit May - September March - May, September - November March - May, September - November January - April, December March - May, October, November December - April
Currency EUR - Euro (€) ZAR - South African Rand (R) EUR - Euro (€) COP - Colombian Peso ($) MXN - Mexican Peso ($) PAB - Panamanian Balboa (B/.)
Credit cards Accepted in some places but cash often preferred Accepted almost everywhere, but cash still needed in smaller shops Accepted everywhere Accepted in some places Widely accepted (less with AMEX) Accepted almost everywhere but not in smaller shops.
Remote worker visa Yes No Yes No Yes Yes
Average monthly costs $2200 $1549 $2498 $1293 $1867 $2359
Rent $939 $618 $1174 $732 $778 $1036
Groceries $188 $129 $175 $87 $281 $236
Dining out $271 $269 $313 $131 $182 $371
Cafe $57 $32 $51 $18 $49 $43
Coworking space $174 $151 $196 $96 $159 $157
Mobile internet $23 $27 $10 $16 $25 $21
Public transportation $88 $55 $78 $21 $11 $12
Taxis $58 $21 $44 $14 $9 $48
Shared bicycles and scooters $17 $49 $49 $0 $24 $0
Sport and cultural events $64 $19 $54 $8 $81 $35
Museums and sights $37 $15 $20 $9 $20 $9
Nightlife $63 $43 $82 $73 $64 $117
Gym $66 $36 $44 $15 $69 $37
Yoga $99 $56 $142 $54 $65 $163
Massage $56 $30 $64 $20 $51 $75
SIM card options Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone MTN, Vodacom Orange, Movistar, Vodafone Claro, Tigo Telcel, Movistar Claro, Movistar
Tipping Round up for restaurants, not common for bars and services 10 - 15% at restaurants, round up elsewhere Not customary or expected but small tips are appreciated. Tip 10% in restaurants 10-15% for restaurants, bars and services 10% in restaurants, round up elsewhere
Taxi apps Mytaxi, Uber Uber, Bolt Uber, Cabify, MyTaxi Free Now EasyTaxi Uber Uber, Tu Chofer
Tap water Drinkable Not drinkable Drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable
Overall cuisine Heavy and hearty meals with plenty of meat, potatoes and bread South African cuisine has been shaped by a long history of Dutch, Malay, British and Indian settlements, making the food diverse and strong in flavor. There is a strong emphasis on game in all of its different forms, as well as spicy sauces and sautéed vegetables and dry-cured meats. Creamy desserts and liqueurs compliment large and flavorful meals. Fresh, regional produce accentuated with garlic and olive oil and mixed with various meats and seafoods. Influenced both by Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern flavors. A blend of indigenous and European traditions with rice, maize, cassava, assorted legumes, and meats Corn, beans, tortillas and chili peppers typically alongside meat and cheese Latin American. Emphasis on rice, beans, coconut, and local fruits and vegetables. Pork and beef are regularly used and influence from the islands gives seafood dishes a prominent spot in Panamanian cuisine.
Local food specialities Currywurst, spätzle, königsberger klopse, schnitzel, eisbein, doner kebab, pretzels Bitlong and droewors, boerewors, Cape Malay curry, bobotie, melkert, gatsby, bunny chow Paella, tapas, tortilla, gazpacho, pulpo a la gallega, callos a la madrileña, churros Bandeja paisa, ajiaco, mondongo, empanada, and arepa Enchiladas, torta de chilaquiles, esquites, quesadillas, tlacoyos, tacos, tostadas Sancocho de gallina, carimanola, empanadas, tamales panameños, tostones, ropa vieja
Eat like a local Brew pubs, cafes, bars, deli shops Cape Malay shacks, food trucks, street food joints, local grills, small bakeries and food markets 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! Street stalls for empanada and arepa with cheese, restaurants for traditional Colombian food Markets, food stalls, menú del día (cheap set lunch menus) Fondas (roadside stalls), smaller local restaurants, local markets, food trucks
Vegetarian / vegan options 844 listings on Happy Cow 24 options on HappyCow 85 listings on Happy Cow 153 listings on Happy Cow 279 listings on Happy Cow 7 options on HappyCow