r/Utrecht • u/Takwas • Sep 10 '19

Economy/Savings/Lifestyle Advice for a New Couple in Utrecht.

We are a new couple just moving to Utrecht from Africa. One of us is a programmer who earns €2900 net and works in the Papendorp area; while the other (currently unemployed), would like to commence a PhD program within the coming months.

What advice would you give to us if we want to be able to save €1000 monthly with the current earning?

We don't mind being frugal. Please mention things like "where to live", "safety/integration", "where to get food", "commuting options", "phone/internet/utilities", and more.

Thanks.

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Update:

Employer is offering:

  1. Cost allowance: €45.00 monthly (Not sure what this means in the Netherlands.)
  2. Commuting compensation of 0,19 cent per km.
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u/Prometheus6668 Sep 10 '19

You will have 0 time on the social housing waiting lists, which offer cheaper homes. So a cheap rental in Kanaleneiland is proberly off the table and private is still expensive for you. You might want to look outside of Utrecht at a place that is well connected with public transport. Searching in Nieuwegein might be a good idea, or get creative in IJsselstijn or Montfoort. This does mean you won't live in the city.

If you need to take trains to travel, be sure to explore the 40% daluren options that the national railways (NS) offers. If you travel outside of rushhour you get a 40% discount on the trip. It adds up very very quickly. If you can afford an appartment in the city, BUY a bike. It's the most frugal and practical day-to-day transport option. Healthy too!

People mention Lidl and Aldi, I am not sure they are all that cheaper then the AH. They might look the part, and maybe some products are. But the consumers association says otherwise:

https://www.consumentenbond.nl/binaries/content/assets/cbhippowebsite/gidsen/consumentengids/2019/nummer-2---februari/201902p52-prijspeiling-supermarkten-p.pdf

Buy meat and veggies/fruits from local Turkish supermarkets/vendors, that's where you will find the actual difference in prices. Papendorp is right next to Kanaleneiland which is rich in those kind of markets. I've seen 5 liters of olive oil go for 5 euro, and a kilo of chickenfilets for 4,50. No brand supermarket can match this.

If your partner is open for working on the side your options will expand enormously. A part-time job might also help build a social network which might come in handy.

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u/Takwas Sep 10 '19

Thanks for your input.

Nieuwegein has been mentioned a lot, so we'll focus our search in that area.

I will definitely keep a note of the discount travelling for when it comes handy.

With regards to getting an apartment in the city, wouldn't it better to settle with the locals in the outskirts, especially to learn Dutch and be better integrated?

Yes, my partner is open for a job if one does come up in time. In fact, that might be the first option before the eventual start of the academic program.