Understanding Cost of Living for Internships Abroad

04 Aug Understanding Cost of Living for Internships Abroad

Money may not buy happiness, but when you’re living abroad as an intern, a well-planned budget can absolutely determine whether you thrive or merely survive. 

Whether it’s swapping subway rides for bicycle commutes in Barcelona or savoring street food in Seoul, cracking the code of living costs can transform your internship into a meaningful, joy-filled adventure. 

At Absolute Internship, we don’t just help students secure internships. We’re also committed to guiding them around the ins and outs of living in their chosen city without breaking the bank. 

How Much Does It Really Cost to Intern Abroad?

Internship destinations aren’t one-size-fits-all, and cost of living varies drastically depending on where in the world you land.

Curious? Here’s a snapshot of what to expect in some of the world’s most popular cities for internships. 

Is Barcelona Cheap to Live In?

Barcelona, Spain, is a sun-soaked magnet for interns seeking a mix of good vibes and career growth. But is it cheap to live here? Well, it depends on your choices. 

Rent can take up the biggest chunk of your budget in Barcelona. A shared apartment or dormitory typically costs between €400 and €800 per month. While private flats can spike well into €1,200 or more, shared spaces not only save you money but also make it easier to meet fellow expats. 

Groceries and food are surprisingly affordable in Barcelona. You’ll find endless bargains at local markets like Mercat de Sant Antoni, where fresh produce won’t drain your wallet. For eating out, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant will only set you back around €12, and authentic tapas can give you a satisfying meal for even less. 

Transportation? Metro passes are your best friend here. A single T-casual card costs around €11.35 and covers 10 rides. Pair that with Barcelona’s walkable city layout, and your commuting costs will be minimal. 

On a budget, you can still soak up the city’s vivid culture. Many of Barcelona’s best attractions, like the beaches and Gaudi’s architectural wonders, are affordable or even free to explore. 

Is It Expensive to Live in Poland?

Poland’s Krakow is a gem in Europe. You’ll quickly be charmed by its cobblestone streets and rich heritage, likely for much less than what you’d budget for bigger Western European cities. 

Rent in Krakow is refreshingly cheap compared to other European urban centers. A shared flat could cost around 1,500–2,500 PLN ($350–$600), depending on location. Prefer your own place? It’s still fairly accessible, generally under $1,000. 

Food is another wallet-friendly highlight. You can fill up on pierogi or a plate of traditional Polish fare for about 30 PLN ($7). If cooking at home is your thing, groceries are astonishingly low-priced (think $40 for a week of fresh produce, bread, and pantry basics). 

Public transportation is both affordable and reliable. A monthly pass for buses and trams runs about 120 PLN ($29). Plus, Krakow’s intimate layout is perfect for walking or cycling. 

Cultural attractions like Wawel Castle and Old Town Square come with student discounts or free entrances, making it easy to enjoy Krakow’s storied charm, even on a modest budget. 

Is Seoul Very Expensive?

Seoul, South Korea, is both cosmopolitan and culturally rich, but what about its cost of living? The truth is, while Seoul can get pricey, interns can thrive here with the right tips and tricks. 

Housing costs vary widely depending on where you stay. Share houses or goshiwons (compact living spaces) are entry-level options costing as little as ₩300,000 to ₩600,000 ($230–$460) monthly. Those craving comfort can opt for a studio, though it often exceeds $1,000 per month in central districts. 

Hungry? Korean eateries and food stalls are budget-friendly lifesavers. You’ll find nourishing ramen or bibimbap for under ₩6,000 ($4.50) per meal. Groceries, on the other hand, can be pricey, so many rely on prepared meals as a workaround. 

Seoul’s public transportation is famously cheap. A single subway ride costs around ₩1,250 ($1) with a transit card. Combine unlimited connections with Korea’s efficient system, and navigating the city becomes a breeze. 

A hefty dose of cultural immersion doesn’t have to cost much either. From wandering palace grounds to hiking up Seongsu-dong trails, Seoul offers endless low-cost experiences. 

What is the Cost of Living in Tokyo?

Tokyo is often dubbed one of the world’s priciest cities, but is its reputation truly justified? Yes…and no. 

Housing comes at a premium, but affordable options exist. Rent for a shared flat may cost ¥50,000–¥90,000 ($350–$650) a month in less-central areas. Although living near bustling hubs like Shinjuku drives costs higher, flexible suburb choices can help slash rental bills. 

Dining in Tokyo offers striking variety in price; while lavish sushi restaurants would challenge your budget, quick meals like ramen, curry, or conveyor-belt sushi keep your costs manageable at about ¥500–¥1,200 ($4–$9) per meal. Want to save more? Convenience store meals in Japan are both cheap and shockingly good. 

Transport efficiency saves time and money. A prepaid Suica card covers Tokyo’s extensive train network, and monthly transport passes start at ¥10,000 ($70). 

Even Tokyo’s notorious nightlife and attractions have economical options. You can thrift through Harajuku, visit free observation towers, or enjoy festivals that cost next to nothing. 

Is Singapore an Affordable City?

Singapore also frequently tops the “expensive cities” lists, but digging deeper reveals plenty of ways an intern can affordably juggle life in this Asian hub. 

To start, accommodation is often the biggest challenge. Many interns prefer renting a room in an HDB or shared flat, which costs between SGD $600–$900 per month. Smaller, shared accommodations might come cheaper, but they will depend on location. 

Singapore’s hawker centers are where budgets meet world-class cuisine. A filling meal costs as little as SGD $4–$6. Cooking at home is possible but might yield smaller savings due to high grocery prices. 

Public transportation is golden in Singapore. A single MRT ride within the city won’t set you back more than SGD $2, while monthly passes cap at around SGD $120. Here you can check How to Get Around in Singapore?

Budget-friendly recreation abounds too. Stroll the Marina Bay Sands boardwalk at sunset, tour Chinatown’s vibrant markets, or enjoy a free light-and-sound show at Gardens by the Bay. 

Why Budget Planning Can Make or Break Your Internship Abroad

Moving to another city to intern requires much more than booking a flight and packing bags. Every city, from the sunlit boulevards of Madrid to the historic streets of Lisbon to the fast-paced corners of Beijing, invites you to plan your adventure carefully. 

At Absolute Internship, we’re here to help. From offering guidance on housing options to advising on where to snag the best student meal deals, we make sure budgeting doesn’t have to overshadow your international experience. After all, internships abroad aren’t just about the work you do. They’re about the profound, life-enriching growth waiting just outside your door. 

Ready to start your internship adventure? At Absolute Internship, we’re dedicated to not only matching you with an opportunity aligned to your career but also giving you tools to make the most of your life abroad.  

Apply now with Absolute Internship, and together, we’ll turn your internship dream into your best chapter yet.