Berlin vs Istanbul vs Madrid vs Mexico City vs Playa del Carmen

Berlin 🇩🇪
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Istanbul 🇹🇷
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Madrid 🇪🇸
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Mexico City 🇲🇽
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Playa del Carmen 🇲🇽
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Population 3,400,000 15,520,000 6,578,0179 8,850,000 259,453
Official language(s) German Turkish Spanish Spanish Spanish
Level of English Very high Low Moderate Moderate Moderate
Main airport Berlin Tegel (TXL) Istanbul Airport (IST) Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) Mexico City International Airport (MEX) Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Most common months to visit May - September April - June, September and October March - May, September - November March - May, October, November January - May, October - December
Currency EUR - Euro (€) TRY - Turkish Lira (₺) EUR - Euro (€) MXN - Mexican Peso ($) MXN - Mexican Peso ($)
Credit cards Accepted in some places but cash often preferred Accepted in most places Accepted everywhere Widely accepted (less with AMEX) Accepted almost everywhere
Remote worker visa Yes No Yes Yes Yes
Average monthly costs $2200 $659 $2498 $1867 $2143
Rent $939 $354 $1174 $778 $923
Groceries $188 $44 $175 $281 $127
Dining out $271 $81 $313 $182 $207
Cafe $57 $18 $51 $49 $42
Coworking space $174 $49 $196 $159 $160
Mobile internet $23 $3 $10 $25 $21
Public transportation $88 $6 $78 $11 $17
Taxis $58 $6 $44 $9 $9
Shared bicycles and scooters $17 $2 $49 $24 $49
Sport and cultural events $64 $11 $54 $81 $97
Museums and sights $37 $15 $20 $20 $217
Nightlife $63 $22 $82 $64 $77
Gym $66 $9 $44 $69 $42
Yoga $99 $23 $142 $65 $54
Massage $56 $15 $64 $51 $101
SIM card options Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone Turkcell, Turk Telekom Orange, Movistar, Vodafone Telcel, Movistar Telcel, Movistar
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 10-15% for restaurants
Taxi apps Mytaxi, Uber BiTaksi Uber, Cabify, MyTaxi Free Now Uber N/A
Tap water Drinkable Not drinkable Drinkable Not drinkable Not 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 Staple dishes from maize, beans, sweet potato and avocado along with meat, chili peppers and other spices
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 Chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, chile rellenos, cochinita pibil, tostadas, pozole
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) Taco stands, esquite stalls, El Fogon, El Pirata, Dona Mary's
Vegetarian / vegan options 844 listings on Happy Cow 59 listings on Happy Cow 85 listings on Happy Cow 279 listings on Happy Cow 72 listings on Happy Cow