Job Discussion Forums

[Twentyplus]

Hi Everyone,

I noticed that alot of the universities and institutes are only offering 17 or 18,000 for housing. I heard that this is not enough for a decent 2-3 br apartment. I've seen only a few offers of 25-30,000. Has anyone tried negotiating their housing allowance? Any success?

[Cleopatra]

Negotiation can be a possibility when your employer needs or wants you enough. As always, there's no harm in asking - you've nothing to lose and potentially a lot to gain.

However, 17000SR really is very low for a housing allowance. Even if you were able to negotiate something of a raise, it's unlikely to be enough to enable you to afford a decent place to live.

[Twentyplus]

Thanks for your prompt response, Cleo. I'll give it a try.

[trapezius]

SR. 17,000 is enough for a 2-bedroom apartment in a good location. And the same amount can get you a 3-bedroom apartment in a location populated by middle class people. This is definitely true of Jeddah, and I don't see why it wouldn't be true of Riyadh or Dhahran/Khobar.

[Citizenkane]