Why 90 days is a better planning window
The first month abroad is rarely a normal month. You may pay a deposit, buy household basics, use temporary accommodation and spend more on transport while you learn the city.
Planning for three months gives you room for setup costs and two more realistic months of everyday spending.
Build four separate pots
Use four categories: arrival, housing, monthly living and emergency reserve. Keep the emergency reserve separate so it does not quietly disappear into normal spending.
Arrival covers travel and temporary accommodation. Housing covers deposit and first rent. Monthly living covers food, transport, phone and routine bills.
Stress-test the plan
Ask what happens if a job starts late, a deposit takes longer to return or the first apartment is not suitable.
A move is safer when the plan still works after a small delay.
Quick checklist
- Arrival costs
- Housing deposit
- Three months of living costs
- Paperwork fees
- Emergency reserve