Madrid vs Playa del Carmen vs Prague vs Sofia vs Valencia

Madrid 🇪🇸
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Playa del Carmen 🇲🇽
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Prague 🇨🇿
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Sofia 🇧🇬
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Valencia 🇪🇸
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Population 6,578,0179 259,453 1,305,737 1,270,169 834,000
Official language(s) Spanish Spanish Czech Bulgarian Spanish, Valencian
Level of English Moderate Moderate High High Moderate
Main airport Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) Cancun International Airport (CUN) Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) Sofia International Airport (SOF) Valencia Manises Airport (VLC)
Most common months to visit March - May, September - November January - May, October - December June - October April-June, September-October March - June, September, October
Currency EUR - Euro (€) MXN - Mexican Peso ($) CZK - Czech Koruna (Kč) BGN - Bulgarian Lev (лв) EUR - Euro (€)
Credit cards Accepted everywhere Accepted almost everywhere Accepted most places (some places are cash only) Accepted everywhere Accepted almost everywhere
Remote worker visa Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Average monthly costs $2498 $2143 $1806 $1289 $1976
Rent $1174 $923 $780 $567 $869
Groceries $175 $127 $158 $10 $146
Dining out $313 $207 $240 $227 $292
Cafe $51 $42 $53 $27 $42
Coworking space $196 $160 $175 $140 $152
Mobile internet $10 $21 $24 $10 $16
Public transportation $78 $17 $61 $30 $38
Taxis $44 $9 $33 $12 $42
Shared bicycles and scooters $49 $49 $19 $40 $30
Sport and cultural events $54 $97 $19 $18 $73
Museums and sights $20 $217 $35 $12 $44
Nightlife $82 $77 $50 $82 $66
Gym $44 $42 $56 $23 $34
Yoga $142 $54 $66 $62 $87
Massage $64 $101 $37 $29 $45
SIM card options Orange, Movistar, Vodafone Telcel, Movistar Vodafone, T-Mobile A1, Telenor, Vivacom Vodafone, Orange
Tipping Not customary or expected but small tips are appreciated. 10-15% for restaurants 10% at restaurants and bars, round up elsewhere 10% in restaurants, 1-2 BGN at bars and cafés Round up for good service at restaurants, not common at bars
Taxi apps Uber, Cabify, MyTaxi Free Now N/A Uber, Liftago TaxiMe, TaxiStars Cabify, FreeNow
Tap water Drinkable Not drinkable Drinkable Not drinkable Drinkable
Overall cuisine Fresh, regional produce accentuated with garlic and olive oil and mixed with various meats and seafoods. Influenced both by Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern flavors. Staple dishes from maize, beans, sweet potato and avocado along with meat, chili peppers and other spices Thick soups are often combined with stewed vegetables and baked meats to produce rich dishes. Gravies and creams are popular in Czech cuisine, as is beer! Vegetables and mild spices are often mixed with dairy products to create rich chicken and pork products. Seafood dishes also popular in some regions of the country, making them popular in the capital. Mediterranean style using vegetables, seafoods and meats
Local food specialities Paella, tapas, tortilla, gazpacho, pulpo a la gallega, callos a la madrileña, churros Chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, chile rellenos, cochinita pibil, tostadas, pozole Vepřo knedlo zelo, Česnečka, Guláš, Svíčková na smetaně, Ovocné Knedlíky. Kebapche, Bulgarian musaka, lyutenitsa, shkember chorba, kyufte, kavarma, banitsa and tarator Paella, fideuà, esgarrat, orxata, bunyols
Eat like a local 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! Taco stands, esquite stalls, El Fogon, El Pirata, Dona Mary's Pubs and taverns, street food stalls, local cafés Taverns, local BBQ restaurants, local markets and smaller eateries in residential and university areas. Tapas bars, markets, menu del dia (cheap set lunches)
Vegetarian / vegan options 85 listings on Happy Cow 72 listings on Happy Cow 112 options on HappyCow 20 options on HappyCow 98 listings on Happy Cow