Austin vs Istanbul vs Larnaca vs Porto

Austin ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ
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Istanbul ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท
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Larnaca ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡พ
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Porto ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น
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Population 926,426 15,520,000 144,900 237,559
Official language(s) English (de facto) Turkish Greek Portuguese
Level of English Very high Low High Very High
Main airport Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) Istanbul Airport (IST) Larnaca International Airport (LCA) Francisco Sรก Carneiro International Airport (OPO)
Most common months to visit March - May, September - November April - June, September and October March - May, October - December May - September
Currency USD - US Dollar ($) TRY - Turkish Lira (โ‚บ) EUR - Euro (โ‚ฌ) EUR - Euro (โ‚ฌ)
Credit cards Accepted almost everywhere Accepted in most places Accepted everywhere Accepted everywhere
Remote worker visa No No No Yes
Average monthly costs $3484 $659 $1959 $1759
Rent $1650 $354 $678 $717
Groceries $243 $44 $157 $148
Dining out $396 $81 $261 $280
Cafe $66 $18 $56 $45
Coworking space $331 $49 $209 $96
Mobile internet $40 $3 $35 $21
Public transportation $110 $6 $63 $95
Taxis $73 $6 $42 $25
Shared bicycles and scooters $96 $2 $45 $10
Sport and cultural events $54 $11 $28 $45
Museums and sights $11 $15 $8 $24
Nightlife $124 $22 $110 $66
Gym $62 $9 $107 $56
Yoga $139 $23 $105 $82
Massage $89 $15 $54 $48
SIM card options AT&T, T-Mobile. Turkcell, Turk Telekom Primetel, Cytamobile-Vodafone and Epic/MTN Vodafone, MEO, NOS
Tipping 15-20% at restaurants, 1USD or more per drink at cafes and bars Tip 5-10% in restaurants, cafรฉs and bars 10% usually added and expected at restaurants, round up at bars 5-10% at restaurants if happy with service, not expected at cafes or bars
Taxi apps Uber, Lyft BiTaksi nTaxi Uber, MyTaxi, Cabify
Tap water Drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Drinkable
Overall cuisine Emphasis on barbecued meats (beef and pork) as well as corn-based dishes and tex-mex, and rich American-style desserts. 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.. A variety of meats often mixed with fresh legumes and vegetables. Emphasis on rich seafood dishes and creamy desserts.
Local food specialities Frito pie, queso, apple pie, kolaches, BBQ ribs, tacos Dรถner, ฤฐรงli Kรถfte, Dondurma, Karnฤฑyarฤฑk, Turkish delight Souvlaki, sheftalia, kleftiko, stifado, halloumi, koukepia and moussaka Bacalhau, Alheira de Mirandela, Francesinha, queido da serra da estrela, tripas a moda do Oporto, pasteis de chaves, tarte de amendoa
Eat like a local Local tex-mex restaurants, lunch BBQ joints, taquerias, food trucks, local breweries 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. Local taverns, terraces, markets, tascas, churrascarias and local sports bars
Vegetarian / vegan options 30 options on HappyCow 59 listings on Happy Cow 14 options on HappyCow, but non-meat Mediterranean/Middle Eastern options are always available 46 options on Happy Cow