Barbados vs Playa del Carmen

Barbados 🇧🇧
Playa del Carmen 🇲🇽
Population 110,000 259,453
Official language(s) English, Bajan Creole Spanish
Level of English Very high Moderate
Main airport Bridgetown/Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Most common months to visit November - May January - May, October - December
Currency BBD - Barbadian dollar ($) MXN - Mexican Peso ($)
Credit cards Accepted in some places, cash also needed for smaller businesses Accepted almost everywhere
Remote worker visa Yes Yes
Average monthly costs $2702 $2143
Rent $1054 $923
Groceries $234 $127
Dining out $345 $207
Cafe $75 $42
Coworking space $321 $160
Mobile internet $49 $21
Public transportation $35 $17
Taxis $106 $9
Shared bicycles and scooters $0 $49
Sport and cultural events $37 $97
Museums and sights $36 $217
Nightlife $96 $77
Gym $86 $42
Yoga $130 $54
Massage $99 $101
SIM card options Digicel Telcel, Movistar
Tipping 10 - 15% usually included in restaurants, add 10 - 15% at bars 10-15% for restaurants
Taxi apps None available N/A
Tap water Not drinkable Not drinkable
Overall cuisine Bajan cuisine features an eclectic mix of European, Asian, and Caribbean styles resulting in bold, tasty and crunchy meat or fish dishes with lots of spices, lime juice, thyme and salads laden with local vegetables and hot side dishes. Staple dishes from maize, beans, sweet potato and avocado along with meat, chili peppers and other spices
Local food specialities Cou-cou and flying fish, fish cakes, cutters, pudding and souse, macaroni pie, conkies, Bajan black cake, sea eggs Chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, chile rellenos, cochinita pibil, tostadas, pozole
Eat like a local Food trucks, pubs, seaside street food, roadside carts, local seafood restaurants, smaller traditional restaurants and rum shops Taco stands, esquite stalls, El Fogon, El Pirata, Dona Mary's
Vegetarian / vegan options 14 options on HappyCow 72 listings on Happy Cow