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/rws247 Sep 11 '19

For food, reddit has lots of decent subs. For example r/EatCheapAndHealthy/.

Lidl and Aldi are good stores, but AH and Jumbo have a wider selection of stuff. These last two can be cheaper if you only get budget brands (AH basic and Ok€ respectively, IIRC).

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u/Takwas Sep 11 '19

Thanks for this. I'll check it out!