{"id":37886,"date":"2025-07-28T10:36:08","date_gmt":"2025-07-28T10:36:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/?p=37886"},"modified":"2025-10-29T05:15:21","modified_gmt":"2025-10-29T05:15:21","slug":"cost-of-living-vs-internship-pay-can-you-afford-life-in-tokyo-and-seoul","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/cost-of-living-vs-internship-pay-can-you-afford-life-in-tokyo-and-seoul\/","title":{"rendered":"Cost of Living vs. Internship Pay: Can You Afford Life in Tokyo and Seoul?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/cost-of-living-vs-internship-pay-can-you-afford-life-in-tokyo-and-seoul\/#Understanding_the_Cost_of_Living_in_Tokyo_and_Seoul\" >Understanding the Cost of Living in Tokyo and Seoul<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/cost-of-living-vs-internship-pay-can-you-afford-life-in-tokyo-and-seoul\/#Internship_Pay_What_to_Expect\" >Internship Pay: What to Expect<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/cost-of-living-vs-internship-pay-can-you-afford-life-in-tokyo-and-seoul\/#Is_Seoul_Very_Expensive\" >Is Seoul Very Expensive?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/cost-of-living-vs-internship-pay-can-you-afford-life-in-tokyo-and-seoul\/#What_About_Tokyo_Are_Internships_in_Tokyo_Paid\" >What About Tokyo: Are Internships in Tokyo Paid?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/cost-of-living-vs-internship-pay-can-you-afford-life-in-tokyo-and-seoul\/#How_Hard_Is_It_to_Get_an_Internship_in_Seoul\" >How Hard Is It to Get an Internship in Seoul?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/cost-of-living-vs-internship-pay-can-you-afford-life-in-tokyo-and-seoul\/#Explore_Asias_Top_Destinations_With_Absolute_Internship\" >Explore Asia\u2019s Top Destinations With Absolute Internship<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Interning abroad. It sounds like an adventure straight out of a daydream. But for students who enroll in internships with Absolute Internship, that daydream becomes a reality. Now, it\u2019s just time to figure out where you\u2019ll choose to go (and if you can afford it).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Among the many cities calling for young professionals hungry for experience and a dash of wanderlust, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/internships-in-tokyo-what-its-like-to-work-in-japan\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tokyo<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/programs\/seoul-internships\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seoul<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> sit at the top of the list. These cities are not just popular for their buzzing streets, cutting-edge technology, and culinary delights.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They\u2019re also magnets for students and young professionals looking to make their resumes pop. But here\u2019s the million-dollar question (or maybe the won-or-yen question): can you afford to live in these cities while interning?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Understanding_the_Cost_of_Living_in_Tokyo_and_Seoul\"><\/span>Understanding the Cost of Living in Tokyo and Seoul<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before you pack your bags, you\u2019ll want a clear picture of what life in these cities will cost. It\u2019s not as scary as you might think, but it does take some careful budgeting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Tokyo<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Living in Tokyo is famously pricey, but the range of options should give you plenty of flexibility. According to a Numbeo report, a single person\u2019s estimated monthly costs without rent are about <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$1,000<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> when converted to American dollars. Rent in a shared apartment might set you back around $700\u2013$1,200 depending on location and whether you opt for a dormitory or a cozy studio apartment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As for transportation, Tokyo\u2019s subway system is famously fast, efficient, and inexpensive. A monthly commuter pass costs around $100\u2013$150. Food is a mixed bag; while high-end sushi dinners could drain your wallet, a bowl of ramen at a local shop costs as little as $7.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leisure isn\u2019t out of reach either. Karaoke nights, parks, and traditional shrines lend a perfect mix of fun and calm, most of which are free or reasonably priced.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Seoul<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now, over to Seoul, a city where modernity and tradition blend effortlessly. Living expenses here are slightly lower than Tokyo\u2019s. Korea Expos\u00e9 suggests that basic monthly costs for a single person hover around $900 without rent. Studio apartments in university areas or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">shared housing<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> average between $400 and $800 monthly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Public transportation in Seoul is top-notch, with a monthly transportation pass costing approximately $60. Foodies, rejoice! You can get a delicious Korean barbecue meal for under $15 or a convenient bento box for about $5. Like Tokyo, Seoul offers affordable or even free recreation, from hiking trails to public museums.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s safe to say that both cities have their high and low ends, depending on how lavish or simple you want your lifestyle to be.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Internship_Pay_What_to_Expect\"><\/span>Internship Pay: What to Expect<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Next, you might be wondering, \u201cWill I actually earn enough from an internship to survive here?\u201d It depends.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Paid vs. Unpaid<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Internships in Tokyo and Seoul can be paid, unpaid, or somewhere in between.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generally, industries like IT, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/internships\/finance-internships\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">finance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and engineering are more likely to offer paid positions. Companies with larger international footprints often provide a stipend to cover housing or commuting costs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But unpaid internships, while admittedly less appealing, are also common across fields like education, marketing, and the arts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Budget Tips<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you land an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/paid-vs-unpaid-internships-what-you-need-to-know-before-applying\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">unpaid internship<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, there\u2019s no need to panic, as careful budgeting can keep you afloat. Meal prepping, taking advantage of public transportation, and spotting deals on groceries are game-changers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For Tokyo, convenience stores offer surprisingly affordable and filling meals. Meanwhile, Seoul is teeming with market stalls, where you can snag fresh produce at a fraction of typical grocery store prices.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>What Should I Wear to an Internship?<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No need to break the bank on a new wardrobe, but in general, business casual is your safest bet. Opt for polished but comfortable outfits, keeping the workplace culture in mind.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Seoul_Very_Expensive\"><\/span>Is Seoul Very Expensive?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seoul has a bit of a reputation for being pricey\u2026but is that reputation really earned? Here\u2019s a closer look at some key costs to put this to rest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Essentials Breakdown<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rent in Seoul tends to be more manageable than in Tokyo unless you\u2019re living in flashy neighborhoods like Gangnam.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Food? You can eat hearty meals without breaking the bank, as street food and small eateries are everywhere. Even luxury shopping sprees or clubbing in Itaewon can feel surprisingly accessible during off-peak hours or mid-week specials.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Does Seoul Offer Paid Internships?<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to internship pay, the landscape, again, varies. Many internships, especially in startups or multinational corporations, provide stipends or cover specific costs. However, pay isn\u2019t guaranteed, so you may find yourself cutting corners from time to time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One tip for stretching your cash in Seoul is taking advantage of its robust coupon culture. Shop apps often offer discounts on daily necessities, and public museums or cultural events welcome visitors for free.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_About_Tokyo_Are_Internships_in_Tokyo_Paid\"><\/span>What About Tokyo: Are Internships in Tokyo Paid?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The short answer is\u2026 sometimes. Large, global companies operating in Tokyo are often your best bet for paid internships. Industries like finance, engineering, and even some creative fields like graphic design may offer a salary or stipend for your efforts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Can Foreigners Get Internships in Japan?<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Absolutely. Companies in Tokyo are increasingly open to hiring foreign interns, especially if you bring unique language skills or international perspectives to the table.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That said, visa regulations can be tricky. You\u2019ll need either an internship visa or a student visa with company sponsorship, so make sure to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/japan-bound-preparing-for-a-summer-internship-in-tokyo\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">start your application process<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> well ahead of your planned start date.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make it easier to stand out by tailoring your resume to highlight any cross-cultural experiences or Japanese language proficiency. Even a basic ability to communicate can set you apart from other applicants.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Hard_Is_It_to_Get_an_Internship_in_Seoul\"><\/span>How Hard Is It to Get an Internship in Seoul?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While internships are plentiful in Seoul, competition can be fierce, especially among companies offering perks like housing or transportation stipends.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>What\u2019s the Lowest Salary in Seoul?<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">South Korea has a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">national minimum wage<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which was roughly 10,030 KRW ($7.32 USD) an hour as of 2025. Keep in mind that internships often skirt the line on minimum wage compliance due to their \u201ceducational\u201d nature. Some offer allowances rather than direct salaries, so don\u2019t hesitate to ask for clarification during the hiring process.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re looking to maximize earnings, consider asking about additional benefits. Housing assistance and meal subsidies can make a world of difference to your budget.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Explore_Asias_Top_Destinations_With_Absolute_Internship\"><\/span>Explore Asia\u2019s Top Destinations With Absolute Internship<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019re starry-eyed about Tokyo\u2019s neon skyline or Seoul\u2019s timeless charm, interning in these cities offers more than just a resume boost. You\u2019ll immerse yourself in world-class cultures, build unique professional skills, and create memories worth cherishing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sure, the costs and logistics can be daunting, but don\u2019t worry. We\u2019re here to guide you. With proper planning and a clear budget in hand, your internship dream can turn into a reality.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling inspired? <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/contact\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start exploring opportunities<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> through Absolute Internship. We\u2019ll help you take your first step toward building an outright unforgettable chapter of your career.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Interning abroad. It sounds like an adventure straight out of a daydream. But for students who enroll in internships with Absolute Internship, that daydream becomes a reality. Now, it\u2019s just&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6168,"featured_media":37887,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[776,888],"tags":[861,858],"table_tags":[],"class_list":["post-37886","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-seoul-internships","category-tokyo-internship","tag-internship-seoul","tag-internship-tokyo"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37886","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6168"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=37886"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37886\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37887"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37886"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=37886"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=37886"},{"taxonomy":"table_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/table_tags?post=37886"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}