Job Discussion Forums

NJD84 · Joined: 27 Feb 2009 Posts: 7

So I am thinking about coming to Saudi to teach in the fall (as well as looking at Japan or continuing teaching in Russia). From what I've read I should be making between 10-13000 (I will have my CELTA, BA, and a year teaching expereince and am I white native speaker from the US).

My question is what are the costs of living? I saw in the Japan forum that someone broke them down. I have a bit of college debt to pay off and need to save some money. What can I expect to pay for:

Housing (do employeers help here?):
Food:
Transportation:
Clothing/Personal Expenses:
Any Entertainment (which I've read is very little and will help with not spending):

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

I'd think ten rather than thirteen thousand.

The main cost here are holidays. If you just want to save some cash then you should be able to save 75% of your salary.

Cleopatra · Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2009 1:52 pm Post subject:

This is very much a 'how long is a piece of string' question. I know people who spend a good proportion of their salary every month on much the same things they would spend money on in any other country, but I also know a few members of the notorious "Klub 500" who endeavour to eke out a 'life' on 500SR a month.

However, to give a few guidelines:

Housing: You will either be living in accomodation provided (rent free, though you may have to pay for utilities) by your employer, or given a rent allowance to at least partially cover the cost of housing.

Food: Obviously, this is very much a matter of personal choice, and if you insist on eating packaged sugar and other American 'food products' from Tamimi, you'll probably spend at least as much here as you would elsewhere. Generally speaking, however, I find food costs here to be significantly lower than in the Euro zone, for example. Eating out is also very reasonably priced.

Transport: Your employer will either provide you with free transport to and from work, or give you a transport allowance which will cover these expenses. Outside this, it's difficult to give an estimate, especially as you don't say if you're male or female (if the latter, you will not have the option of getting your own car).

Clothing/Personal Expenses: Again, much depends on personal tastes and lifestyle choices. You really can spend as much or as little as you want here.

Entertainment: It's true that there's not much on offer here, which obviously cuts back on costs. However, if you do want a change in routine, embassy parties and the like usually cost 200SR and more, plus taxi fare. Compound parties are usually free, if you have contacts and if they're 'your thing'.

johnslat · Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2009 2:36 pm Post subject:

Dear Cleopatra,
Excellent guidelines. So much does depend on the individual. Back in 2003, I was usually able to get by quite nicely on 1000 SR per month.
Regards,
John

cassava · Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Posts: 175

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

3000 SR a month is reasonable for a single person. 5000 SR for a couple.
Less if you can live like a New Age Hippy or Klub500-er.

My downfall is Amazon and my attempts to subsidise ex-wifes, children and grandchildren.

But then I am one of those who has come to regard KSA as home. I do not really want to leave, at least not permanently.

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2009 3:52 pm Post subject:

trapezius · Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2009 11:13 am Post subject:

eclectic · Joined: 09 Nov 2006 Posts: 1122

I'm in the same boat. Approaching the completion of a 1-yr contract here in South Korea, BA in English, Masters in an unrelated field, and 1-2 years of English teaching, no TEFL certification.

Offered a job in KSA. Should I expect only 10,000 per month? On another thread I saw 11,000-17,000.

What's the most likely thing here I should expect, as salary will be discussed in a few days? Anybody?

trapezius · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 4:13 pm Post subject:

You can expect anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000 per month, depending on what type of employer you get.

Most likely, it will be between 10,000 and 13,000.

SD BOY · Joined: 29 Mar 2009 Posts: 60

The "Americana" food products Cleopatra so hatefully refers to are actually imported from Kuwait.
Cleo, you are an endless source of misinformation...Alas, if only you'd had the benefit of a decent education at one of our Ivy League universities, things might be different.

Regarding saving in KSA...The Kingdom is fairly reasonable. However, I found myself blowing a ton of loot in Bahrain and Dubai on weekends...just to maintain a modicum of sanity.

007 · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 5:30 pm Post subject:

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

tillymd · Joined: 07 Apr 2009 Posts: 114

I wonder how much yoga mats are going for in the Kingdom?

SD BOY · Joined: 29 Mar 2009 Posts: 60

Au contraire! Veiled Sentiments...Cleopatra's opinions are, indeed, more valid than mine....and everybody else's, apparently.
I have never once-and I've been following this site for years-seen a [Mod edit] after her name.
She constantly spews hateful, snide anti-American rhetoric with total impunity...while working (and I imagine making a decent living) in our chief client state.
I'm sure Gaza Strip Junior High is in need of a school teacher or two...why doesn't she offer her services?