It is possible that some of your foreign housing allowance may be excluded from regular income tax.   You calculate your daily housing expense and deduct a base housing cost standard which is equal to 16% of the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion.  For 2022. you would add up your total foreign housing expense.  Note that some housing expense items do not qualify.  Subtract $15,872 from your total.  If you were living in the foreign country less than a full year, you figure your exclusion based on the number of days you were there times $43.48.  The resulting amount is your eligible foreign housing cost.There is a maximum amount that may be excluded equal to 14% of the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion for the tax year.  (For 2022 the FEIE is $99,200 so 14% of that is $13,888 or $38.05 per day)  The time period is somewhat irrelevant as long as you qualify for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion.  To qualify for the FEIE, you have to either meet the Bona Fide Residence or Physical Presence Test. Knowing that you will be located overseas a limited time might impact you meeting the Bona Fide Residence Test.You should note that there is also the option to take a foreign housing cost deduction if your allowable housing costs exceed the exclusion amount. Also claiming the exclusion may prevent you from benefiting from foreign tax credits and certain other tax deductions related to the excluded income.  Your tax rates for both regular and AMT taxes are calculated as if the exclusion had not been applied.You claim the exclusion or deduction on Form 2555. Page on irs.gov.