Madrid vs Rio de Janeiro

Madrid ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ
Rio de Janeiro ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ท
Population 6,578,0179 6,718,903
Official language(s) Spanish Portuguese
Level of English Moderate Low
Main airport Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) Galeรฃo International Airport
Most common months to visit March - May, September - November January - March, December
Currency EUR - Euro (โ‚ฌ) BRL - Brazilian Real (R$)
Credit cards Accepted everywhere Accepted everywhere
Remote worker visa Yes No
Average monthly costs $2498 $1833
Rent $1174 $1066
Groceries $175 $95
Dining out $313 $210
Cafe $51 $25
Coworking space $196 $130
Mobile internet $10 $7
Public transportation $78 $33
Taxis $44 $14
Shared bicycles and scooters $49 $16
Sport and cultural events $54 $55
Museums and sights $20 $26
Nightlife $82 $54
Gym $44 $31
Yoga $142 $40
Massage $64 $32
SIM card options Orange, Movistar, Vodafone Tim, Claro, Vivo
Tipping Not customary or expected but small tips are appreciated. 10% usually included in restaurants, 10% at bars and cafes with table service is common
Taxi apps Uber, Cabify, MyTaxi Free Now Easy Taxi, 99 Taxi, Uber
Tap water Drinkable Not 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. Emphasis on rice, beans, pork and beef with a variety of root vegetables and fresh fruits. Fresh seafood is also very common.
Local food specialities Paella, tapas, tortilla, gazpacho, pulpo a la gallega, callos a la madrileรฑa, churros Feijoada, bolinho de bacalhau, fried sardines, caldo verde, pao de queijo and brigadeiros.
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! The "snack capital" of Brazil, Rio is a perfect place to try street food as well as the wide varieties of small, traditional eateries and churrascarias easily found across the city.
Vegetarian / vegan options 85 listings on Happy Cow 54 options on Happy Cow