Berlin vs Istanbul vs Madrid vs Mexico City vs New York City

Berlin 🇩🇪
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Istanbul 🇹🇷
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Madrid 🇪🇸
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Mexico City 🇲🇽
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New York City 🇺🇸
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Population 3,400,000 15,520,000 6,578,0179 8,850,000 8,323,340
Official language(s) German Turkish Spanish Spanish English (de facto)
Level of English Very high Low Moderate Moderate Very high
Main airport Berlin Tegel (TXL) Istanbul Airport (IST) Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) Mexico City International Airport (MEX) John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Most common months to visit May - September April - June, September and October March - May, September - November March - May, October, November April - June, September - November
Currency EUR - Euro (€) TRY - Turkish Lira (₺) EUR - Euro (€) MXN - Mexican Peso ($) USD - US Dollar ($)
Credit cards Accepted in some places but cash often preferred Accepted in most places Accepted everywhere Widely accepted (less with AMEX) Accepted everywhere
Remote worker visa Yes No Yes Yes No
Average monthly costs $2200 $659 $2498 $1867 $5431
Rent $939 $354 $1174 $778 $2891
Groceries $188 $44 $175 $281 $383
Dining out $271 $81 $313 $182 $656
Cafe $57 $18 $51 $49 $72
Coworking space $174 $49 $196 $159 $326
Mobile internet $23 $3 $10 $25 $45
Public transportation $88 $6 $78 $11 $220
Taxis $58 $6 $44 $9 $78
Shared bicycles and scooters $17 $2 $49 $24 $30
Sport and cultural events $64 $11 $54 $81 $100
Museums and sights $37 $15 $20 $20 $74
Nightlife $63 $22 $82 $64 $195
Gym $66 $9 $44 $69 $55
Yoga $99 $23 $142 $65 $197
Massage $56 $15 $64 $51 $109
SIM card options Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone Turkcell, Turk Telekom Orange, Movistar, Vodafone Telcel, Movistar AT&T, Verizon
Tipping Round up for restaurants, not common for bars and services Tip 5-10% in restaurants, cafés and bars Not customary or expected but small tips are appreciated. 10-15% for restaurants, bars and services 15-20% at restaurants, 1 USD per drink at bars
Taxi apps Mytaxi, Uber BiTaksi Uber, Cabify, MyTaxi Free Now Uber Uber, Lyft
Tap water Drinkable Not drinkable Drinkable Not drinkable Drinkable
Overall cuisine Heavy and hearty meals with plenty of meat, potatoes and bread 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 American. Emphasis on comfort and fast food, with some good seafood dishes. Influence from other regions of the US, North America and the world make NYC a cosmopolitan and international cuisine hub that is incredibly diverse.
Local food specialities Currywurst, spätzle, königsberger klopse, schnitzel, eisbein, doner kebab, pretzels 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 Pizza, clam chowder, bagels, corned beef, pastrami, cheesecake, hot dogs, and hundred of other international food options.
Eat like a local Brew pubs, cafes, bars, deli shops 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) Delis, local pizza shops, street food stalls and food trucks, food markets, local bakeries and smaller, authentic international cuisine restaurants
Vegetarian / vegan options 844 listings on Happy Cow 59 listings on Happy Cow 85 listings on Happy Cow 279 listings on Happy Cow 309 options on HappyCow