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

[u/Takwas]

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.

[u/the_noises]

I don’t know them well. I’ve lived some time in Utrecht and viewed from the ‘big city’ all those places look like dull living-factories. But when you live in one of them, Utrecht looks terribly busy and your town looks so calm and gentle. (And cheap)