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Madrid 🇪🇸
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Mexico City 🇲🇽
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Playa del Carmen 🇲🇽
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Porto 🇵🇹
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| Population | 6,578,0179 | 8,850,000 | 259,453 | 237,559 |
| Official language(s) | Spanish | Spanish | Spanish | Portuguese |
| Level of English | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Very High |
| Main airport | Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) | Mexico City International Airport (MEX) | Cancun International Airport (CUN) | Francisco Sá Carneiro International Airport (OPO) |
| Most common months to visit | March - May, September - November | March - May, October, November | January - May, October - December | May - September |
| Currency | EUR - Euro (€) | MXN - Mexican Peso ($) | MXN - Mexican Peso ($) | EUR - Euro (€) |
| Credit cards | Accepted everywhere | Widely accepted (less with AMEX) | Accepted almost everywhere | Accepted everywhere |
| Remote worker visa | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Average monthly costs | $2498 | $1867 | $2143 | $1759 |
| Rent | $1174 | $778 | $923 | $717 |
| Groceries | $175 | $281 | $127 | $148 |
| Dining out | $313 | $182 | $207 | $280 |
| Cafe | $51 | $49 | $42 | $45 |
| Coworking space | $196 | $159 | $160 | $96 |
| Mobile internet | $10 | $25 | $21 | $21 |
| Public transportation | $78 | $11 | $17 | $95 |
| Taxis | $44 | $9 | $9 | $25 |
| Shared bicycles and scooters | $49 | $24 | $49 | $10 |
| Sport and cultural events | $54 | $81 | $97 | $45 |
| Museums and sights | $20 | $20 | $217 | $24 |
| Nightlife | $82 | $64 | $77 | $66 |
| Gym | $44 | $69 | $42 | $56 |
| Yoga | $142 | $65 | $54 | $82 |
| Massage | $64 | $51 | $101 | $48 |
| SIM card options | Orange, Movistar, Vodafone | Telcel, Movistar | Telcel, Movistar | Vodafone, MEO, NOS |
| Tipping | Not customary or expected but small tips are appreciated. | 10-15% for restaurants, bars and services | 10-15% for restaurants | 5-10% at restaurants if happy with service, not expected at cafes or bars |
| Taxi apps | Uber, Cabify, MyTaxi Free Now | Uber | N/A | Uber, MyTaxi, Cabify |
| Tap water | Drinkable | Not 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. | 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 | A variety of meats often mixed with fresh legumes and vegetables. Emphasis on rich seafood dishes and creamy desserts. |
| Local food specialities | 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 | 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 | 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 | Local taverns, terraces, markets, tascas, churrascarias and local sports bars |
| Vegetarian / vegan options | 85 listings on Happy Cow | 279 listings on Happy Cow | 72 listings on Happy Cow | 46 options on Happy Cow |