Quality of life here rewards steady budgeting and neighborhood fit. Use a simple monthly plan: essentials like rent and utilities first, then flexible spending, then small savings. Neighborhoods near markets, schools, and transit tend to save you time and commuting costs, while those with leafy streets can feel quieter and safer. Seasonal factors – heat, monsoon rain, and festival periods – affect energy use and shopping habits, so build wiggle room into your plan. A few habit adjustments, like cooking larger meals and using public transport for errands, multiply savings over weeks. Tip: keep a rotating list of affordable go-to spots for meals, transport, and errands.