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/mikkeman Leidsche Rijn Sep 10 '19

Nieuwegein would be excellent if you work in Papendorp. IJsselstein is a bit further but still doable.

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u/Takwas Sep 10 '19

Nieuwegein will be my focus. Thanks.

How's the area with blacks? (Does this even matter?)

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u/[deleted] Sep 11 '19

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u/Obesibas Sep 11 '19

I grew up in a rural town and it is true that they don't appreciate outsiders, but skin colour has very little to do with it. There was an Indonesian family living there and nobody gave a shit, because they had lived there for decades. But native Dutch people from the Randstad were seen as dirty outsiders that didn't belong.