Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Moving to Saudi Arabia is no longer a fringe adventure. With over ten million foreigners on its soil, the kingdom has become one of the world’s leading destinations for international workers. The reasons for this enthusiasm lie in the high salaries, the absence of income tax, the major projects of the Vision 2030 plan, and a level of daily security rarely matched in the region. However, this destination remains one of the most culturally, legally, and socially disorienting in the world, requiring clear-eyed consideration before packing your bags.
This article provides a detailed analysis of the main advantages and challenges of expat life in Saudi Arabia. It covers economic aspects, living conditions, the job market, as well as the cultural, family, and administrative dimensions to consider before settling in the country.
A Job Market Boosted by Vision 2030
One of the kingdom’s major attractions is undoubtedly the vitality of its job market for qualified profiles. The Saudi economy is the largest in the Middle East, with a GDP of nearly $1.9 trillion. Long centered on oil, it is now diversifying at a rapid pace thanks to the Vision 2030 plan, which is injecting capital into entire sectors: technology, artificial intelligence, finance, logistics, tourism, entertainment, healthcare, education, renewable energy.
Number of new hotel rooms planned by 2030 to support tourism development in Saudi Arabia.
Expatriates represent a massive share of the private workforce, often estimated at around 70 to 77%. In many technical or specialized fields, local training is still not sufficient to meet demand, opening the door to sustained international recruitment.
Key Sectors and Salary Levels
Saudi Arabia’s appeal also lies in the very high level of compensation for executives and experts. Middle management functions are among the best paid in the world. A study by ECA International cites an average annual salary of around 80,000 to 85,000 British pounds for a middle manager, equivalent to over $180,000. Other estimates mention an average package for middle management of around $188,000 per year.
The salary ranges frequently observed in the market give an idea of the order of magnitude for different positions or sectors, serving as a reference for negotiations or comparisons.
| Profile / Function (indicative 2025) | Monthly Gross Salary (SAR) | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-Level Professionals (5–10 years) | 15,000 – 25,000 | “Comfortable” base for a single person |
| Senior Executives | 30,000 – 60,000 | High variation by sector and company |
| Executives (energy, finance, engineering) | 80,000 and above | Highly negotiated packages, often with bonuses |
| Mechanical Engineer | 18,000 – 28,000 | Excluding benefits in kind |
| Construction Project Manager | 30,000 – 45,000 | Infrastructure and oil & gas projects |
| IT Manager | 28,000 – 40,000 | High demand in digital transformation |
| Financial Manager | 35,000 – 55,000 | Often with performance bonuses |
| Experienced Nurse / Caregiver | 10,000 – 15,000 | Significant demand in the private sector |
Beyond monthly salaries, some highly specialized positions reach impressive compensation: a treasury manager can approach $192,000 per year, a construction project manager in oil & gas can exceed $168,000, or a general practitioner can earn around $13,000 monthly.
Technical professions (civil, mechanical, electrical engineers), IT (developers, cybersecurity, data analysts), healthcare (doctors, nurses), finance, logistics, teaching, and digital marketing are among the most sought-after profiles.
Net Income Boosted by No Income Tax
One of the real game-changers for an expatriate is the complete absence of personal income tax. No salary or compensation is taxed at the personal level, regardless of nationality or income level. There is also no wealth tax, inheritance or gift tax, or stamp duty or private property tax.
A manager earning between 6,000 and 8,000 euros net per month in Saudi Arabia has disposable income comparable to a much higher gross salary in Western Europe, due to the lack of income tax and social charges. This system, combined with a cost of living generally lower than that of major Western capitals, allows for a significantly higher capacity to save.
Cost of Living: Cheaper than London or New York
International comparisons show that the overall price level in Saudi Arabia remains substantially below that of major Western metropolises. Compared to cities like London or New York, Riyadh and Jeddah appear significantly more affordable.
| Cost of Living Comparison (all expenses) | Estimated Average Difference |
|---|---|
| Riyadh vs New York | Riyadh ~ 62% cheaper |
| Riyadh vs London | Riyadh ~ 47% cheaper |
| Jeddah vs New York | Jeddah ~ 72% cheaper |
| Jeddah vs London | Jeddah ~ 60% cheaper |
Rents, in particular, remain significantly lower than in some European or American capitals, although housing located in high-end compounds can still be very expensive.
Overall, several sources estimate that the cost of living in Saudi Arabia is approximately 20 to 30% lower than in the United Kingdom or the United States. The prices of many everyday goods (gasoline, electricity, some food items) are kept at a moderate level through subsidies or contained indirect taxation, despite a 15% VAT.
A High Standard of Living and Generous Benefits in Kind
Beyond the salary, expatriation packages are often structured around a series of benefits in kind that have a concrete impact on purchasing power and quality of life.
The most frequently included elements are housing allowance, private health insurance, coverage for part of international school tuition for children, a transport allowance or company car, and one or two round-trip air tickets per year to the home country.
| Type of Benefit | Common Practice for Expatriates |
|---|---|
| Housing / Housing Allowance | 20–25% of base salary, or provided housing |
| Private Health Insurance | Generally mandatory and funded by the employer |
| International Schooling for Children | Partial or total allowance, especially for management positions |
| Transportation | Company car, driver, or monthly allowance |
| Annual Air Tickets | 1 to 2 round-trips per year for the employee (sometimes for family) |
| End-of-Contract Bonus / Gratuity | Legal end-of-service benefit plus possible bonuses |
| Relocation / Settling-in | Moving expenses, visa sponsorship, temporary accommodation |
The end-of-service benefit, provided for by local labor law, constitutes a deferred “thirteenth month”, rewarding seniority at the end of the contract. It is calculated based on the basic salary: half a month’s pay per year of service for the first five years, then a full month’s pay per year thereafter. For an executive earning 20,000 SAR per month and staying for six years, this benefit would reach 70,000 SAR.
Some major groups in the energy sector supplement the base compensation with annual performance bonuses, special bonuses (such as a Ramadan bonus equivalent to a month’s salary), and access to private leisure facilities (beaches, golf courses, sports clubs) within their compounds.
Housing and Compounds: Comfort, Security, but High Cost
Housing is generally the largest expense for an expatriate. A large proportion of foreign workers, especially Westerners, choose or are offered housing in residential compounds, these closed, ultra-secure complexes that recreate a sort of international-style bubble.
Living in a Compound
These compounds offer often spacious villas or apartments, well-maintained, frequently furnished, with a high level of comfort. They feature swimming pools, gyms, tennis or padel courts, playgrounds, sometimes libraries, cafes, restaurants, minimarkets, and even small international schools. Dress codes are more relaxed than in the city, social interactions are freer, and you’ll encounter a mix of nationalities.
These environments offer a specific lifestyle with several notable benefits for residents, especially families.
A greatly increased level of security for all residents.
A strong sense of community and neighborliness.
Numerous activities: sports clubs, parties, various classes, and entertainment for children.
Easier cultural and social adaptation within the enclave.
A framework perceived as ideal for families, notably allowing children to move around freely and safely.
But this comfort comes at a price: rents in the most sought-after compounds in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Al Khobar can reach 120,000 SAR per year for a villa, even 150,000 to 200,000 SAR in the most luxurious complexes. On this point, the housing allowance provided by the employer often makes the difference between a relaxed lifestyle and a strained budget.
Renting in the City: More Immersion, Less Convenience
The alternative is to rent an apartment or villa in the city, outside a compound. Prices are then more variable depending on the neighborhood, size, and condition of the property. In Riyadh or Jeddah, you can find one-bedroom apartments ranging from about 2,000 to 5,000 SAR per month, while large three-bedroom apartments or villas can reach 7,000 to 10,000 SAR monthly or more in desirable neighborhoods.
This housing option allows for direct immersion in Saudi life, but implies a less international environment and stricter social norms, notably a dress code to respect in public spaces for women. It often comes with fewer nearby leisure facilities. You also need to manage rental contracts directly via the official Ejar platform, plan to pay several months’ rent in advance, and adapt to rental practices different from those in the West.
Cost of Living and Budget: What a Good Salary Really Allows
For a single expatriate, a salary considered “comfortable” is around 15,000 to 25,000 SAR per month, especially if housing is covered. At this level, a pleasant life is possible: regular outings, leisure activities, regional travel, and significant savings capacity.
For a family of four, typical monthly budgets excluding rent often range between 7,000 and 11,000 SAR.
The main expense items are housing, food, transportation, and healthcare, not forgetting education for families.
Example Monthly Budget Structure (Family of Four, Excluding Rent)
| Expense Item | Indicative Range (SAR / month) | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Food & Groceries | 2,000 – 3,000 | Depends on rate of imported products |
| Restaurants & Outings | 800 – 1,500 | Very variable depending on lifestyle pace |
| Transportation (fuel, maintenance, taxis) | 600 – 1,200 | Gasoline remains cheap, but a car is almost essential |
| Utilities (electricity, water, internet) | 800 – 1,200 | AC in summer inflates the bill |
| Healthcare (excluding insurance) | 200 – 400 | Depends on insurance deductible |
| Leisure, Sports | 800 – 1,200 | Cinema, sports, children’s activities |
| Miscellaneous | 500 – 1,000 | Clothing, household products, small purchases |
Fuel is among the most advantageous items: with a liter of gasoline around 2.33 SAR, mobility costs remain moderate, even for intensive use. Public transport is developing (buses, future metros) but the personal car or ride-hailing (Uber, Careem) remains the dominant mode of transport.
Healthcare, Education, Security: Strong Assets but at a Price
The quality of infrastructure is another major positive point of expatriation in Saudi Arabia. Major cities are acquiring modern hospitals, high-end private clinics, and a well-equipped network of international schools.
A Modern and Largely Privatized Healthcare System for Foreigners
While Saudis benefit from a subsidized public healthcare system, expatriates must be covered by private health insurance. The law indeed requires employers to provide insurance, at a minimum for the employee, and often for their dependents (spouse, children).
The private hospitals in major cities – such as King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Dr Sulaiman Al Habib, International Medical Center in Jeddah – offer international-standard care, with many doctors trained in Europe or North America, and English-speaking staff. Consultations with a general practitioner cost around 100 to 200 SAR, with a specialist between 200 and 500 SAR, but these amounts are generally covered, at least in part, by insurance.
For an expatriate paying for their own insurance, an individual annual policy generally costs between 2,000 and 4,000 SAR. However, most employees benefit from policies negotiated by their employer. It is crucial to check the coverage levels, reimbursement ceilings, and coverage for family members before signing your employment contract.
Schooling: A Heavy Expense for Families
Education is a particularly sensitive topic for expatriate families. As Saudi public schools are essentially reserved for citizens and often not suitable for non-Arabic speakers (teaching in Arabic, important place of Islamic studies), almost all foreign children turn to private international schools.
Major cities offer a wide range of schools following British (IGCSE, A-levels), American (AP, SAT preparation), French, German, Indian (CBSE) or International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula. Academic quality and facilities are often excellent, but tuition fees can be astronomical.
| School Level (International Schools) | Range of Annual Fees (SAR) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool / Kindergarten | 10,000 – 65,000 | Extreme variability by status and reputation |
| Primary School | 15,000 – 100,000 | National average around 27,000 SAR, higher in Riyadh |
| Middle School / High School | 22,500 – 100,000 | The most prestigious schools in Riyadh approach 100,000 SAR |
| School Transport (optional) | 3,000 – 10,000 per year | Depends on distance and type of service |
In Riyadh, some prestigious British schools charge up to 100,000 SAR per child per year. In Jeddah, fees tend to range between 40,000 and 90,000 SAR in high-level international institutions.
The expense item for schooling can quickly become one of the largest in the family budget abroad. It is therefore crucial to negotiate an explicit education allowance in the expatriation package. Without this allowance, even a very good salary can be largely eaten up by schooling two or three children.
A Very Safe Country Day-to-Day
In terms of security, Saudi Arabia stands out clearly from many Western countries. Crime rates are particularly low, whether for violent crimes or petty crime. International security perception surveys regularly rank the kingdom among the countries where one feels safest walking alone on the street, even at night.
Many testimonies from expatriates, especially women, highlight this feeling of security, sometimes considered superior to that felt in their home country. Streets are well-lit, police presence is visible, checkpoints are frequent. While episodes of terrorist violence have marked the country in the past, notably the 2004 attack on a compound in Khobar, security in urban areas and expatriate neighborhoods is now presented as high.
This security, combined with an environment very focused on family, partly explains why Saudi Arabia is now perceived as a “family-friendly” destination by a growing number of expatriates.
Cultural and Social Framework: A Demanding Adaptation
The flip side of these economic and material advantages lies in the depth of cultural shock for a foreigner, especially a Westerner. Saudi Arabia remains a society strongly marked by Islam and a conservative interpretation of religious law, even though many reforms have relaxed some aspects of daily life since the implementation of Vision 2030.
A Conservative Society Under Islamic Law
The legal framework is based on Sharia, with significant weight given to religious rules in public life. This translates into several restrictions that can be surprising or jarring:
The country applies a total ban on alcohol and pork products, criminally penalizes homosexual relations, strongly limits religious freedom by prohibiting the public practice of other faiths and the display of their symbols, and strictly regulates freedom of expression, particularly on religion and the monarchy, under penalty of severe sanctions.
Daily life is punctuated by the five daily calls to prayer: many businesses close briefly at these times, and work schedules are organized accordingly. During the month of Ramadan, the day is profoundly disrupted: schedules shift towards the evening, economic activity slows down, and eating, drinking, or smoking in public during the day is prohibited.
Place of Women: Between Spectacular Progress and Persistent Constraints
Recent years have seen considerable advances for women: permission to drive, expanded access to the job market, rollback of some aspects of the male guardianship system, access to symbolic leadership positions (such as the appointment of a female ambassador to Washington).
Wearing the abaya, the long black robe covering the body, is no longer officially mandatory for foreign women, as long as the attire is deemed “modest” (shoulders and knees covered). Segregation of public spaces has been relaxed in many restaurants and leisure venues.
Nonetheless, society remains patriarchal and hierarchical. In some families or regions, the weight of custom remains very strong, and expatriate women can encounter persistent implicit codes, whether in professional life (meetings, speaking up, negotiations) or in public spaces. Some guardianship laws still exist and can affect freedom of movement or certain administrative procedures.
A Very Difficult Environment for LGBTQ+ Individuals
On a crucial point, the situation remains clearly unfavorable: Saudi Arabia does not tolerate homosexuality and represses any form of same-sex relationship. The law provides for penalties that can include imprisonment, or even more severe sanctions for cases deemed extreme.
For LGBTQ+ expatriates, this means a necessity for absolute discretion, a complete absence of recognition of their rights, and a real legal risk. This factor alone is enough to make this destination unthinkable for many concerned individuals, or to impose a life under the sign of secrecy for those who would still choose to settle there.
Social Life, Leisure, Entertainment: An Evolving Offer
Historically, Saudi Arabia was perceived as very quiet: no cinemas, no concerts, few public events, strict regulation of gender mixing. This landscape has begun to transform profoundly in recent years.
The country has reopened its cinemas and now hosts major events like the Riyadh Season or Winter at Tantora in Al‑Ula. It regularly hosts concerts, international sporting competitions, art exhibitions, and food festivals. In major cities, there is also significant development of design cafes, gigantic shopping malls, theme parks, and fitness clubs.
This opening, however, remains framed by rules of decency and limits on cultural content (censorship of some films or series, for example). Furthermore, nightlife has nothing in common with that of a Dubai or a European capital: no bars or clubs where alcohol is consumed, private parties closely monitored, public gatherings subject to authorization.
For an expatriate, the leisure offer will depend heavily on the city (Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam are much more lively than smaller cities), on compound life, and on the ability to build a network of friends to organize outings and getaways (Red Sea diving, hiking in Asir, desert camping, golf, padel, etc.).
Professional Framework: Hierarchy, “Saudization,” and Sponsor
In terms of work, Saudi Arabia combines a very strong dynamic of international recruitment with specific constraints stemming from its legal system and its strategy of nationalizing the workforce.
Corporate Culture: Hierarchy and Importance of Relationships
Local management culture is characterized by a high power distance and a preference for centralized decision-making. Organizations often function vertically, with very marked power relations between superiors and subordinates, and a particular sensitivity to respect for rank and status.
Cross-cultural management research classifies Saudi society as very collectivist and highly uncertainty-avoidant: loyalty to the group is paramount, formal rules are important, and “losing face” in public is avoided. Personal relationships hold a central place in business, sometimes to the detriment of transparency in formal processes. Nepotism, or at least favoritism, is not uncommon.
For an expatriate used to flat organizations and a results-oriented efficiency culture, the hierarchical and protocol-driven approach can generate frustration. Success depends on the ability to learn to navigate these specific codes. This involves patiently building trust with your counterparts and scrupulously respecting rituals, such as hospitality, greetings, and time spent on informal conversation before addressing professional topics.
Saudization: Quotas that Limit Certain Opportunities
At the same time, the government applies a “Saudization” (Nitaqat) policy, which imposes minimum quotas of Saudi employees on private companies, under penalty of sanctions. The goal is to reduce the country’s historical dependence on foreign labor and promote the employment of citizens.
Concretely, this policy makes recruiting expatriates for certain positions more difficult, especially in fields where there is now a local supply. Several dozen professions are even reserved for Saudis. For foreigners, this translates into increased competition with increasingly trained national candidates, and sometimes more uncertain long-term prospects.
Sponsorship System (Kafala) and Iqama: A Structural Dependence on the Employer
To work legally in Saudi Arabia, a foreigner must obtain a work visa and a residence permit (Iqama), issued at the request of a local employer who acts as their sponsor. This sponsorship relationship, inherited from the kafala system, places the employee in a situation of legal dependence vis-à-vis their company.
Reforms, as part of the Labor Reform Initiative, have relaxed some rules. Eligible employees can now request a change of employer or an exit/re-entry visa online without the sponsor’s prior explicit agreement. However, in practice, the employer retains significant power over the employee’s mobility, especially during the initial contract period.
This dependence, added to the length and complexity of visa procedures (diploma verification, medical exam, criminal record checks, etc.), means that one does not come to “prospect” on-site hoping to find a job: in the vast majority of cases, you must first secure a job offer from abroad, then initiate the administrative process.
Family, Personal Life, and Isolation: The Gray Areas of Expatriation
Beyond numbers and packages, expatriation in Saudi Arabia confronts individuals with more intimate challenges: distance, loneliness, strained relationships, children adapting to a new culture, difficulties for non-working spouses.
For “trailing spouses”, these spouses who follow their transferred partner, the situation has improved: it is now easier to obtain your own sponsor and get a work permit. Many foreign women now work as teachers, nurses, engineers, managers, or consultants, whereas their counterparts were previously confined to the status of accompanying dependents.
But cultural barriers, partial segregation of spaces, the difficulty of getting around on your own initially, constraints on social life (no bars, highly regulated encounters, importance of private networks) can generate a feeling of isolation, especially in the first few months.
For couples, the change in dynamics (especially if one of them does not work) can cause tension. For families, the need to recreate a network, enroll children in a new school, and get them used to a very different environment is not trivial, even if compounds and international schools play a cushioning role.
Expatriate communities then constitute a precious social safety net. WhatsApp groups, sports clubs, business associations, parent-teacher networks, embassy events, or platforms like InterNations or Meetup help to find bearings, friends, and practical advice.
Between Exceptional Opportunities and Structural Constraints
Ultimately, expatriation in Saudi Arabia offers a singular combination: on one side, remarkable career prospects, high and tax-free salaries, substantial benefits in kind, a generally controlled cost of living, a modern urban environment, and high daily security; on the other, a very specific cultural and legal framework, a conservative society, significant restrictions on individual freedoms, a marked dependence on the employer, and high costs for key items like schooling.
Expatriate professionals in Saudi Arabia can save several thousand riyals per month, allowing them to build capital or prepare for a private retirement.
But Saudi Arabia is not a neutral destination: it requires real psychological and cultural preparation. Studies on expatriate adjustment show that a significant proportion of them return earlier than expected due to lack of adaptation, or function below their full potential. The lack of cross-cultural training before departure, in particular, is regularly cited as a factor in difficulties.
To maximize chances of success, several elements appear essential: analyze the package in detail (housing, schooling, insurance, air tickets, end-of-contract benefit), clarify internal mobility conditions and the implications of the sponsorship system, discuss family expectations upfront, gather precise information on the target city, and invest time in learning local codes (some Arabic basics, understanding decency rules, strict respect for laws).
Those who take this step with full awareness discover a country in full transformation, a blend of tradition and modernity, where one can combine accelerated career, solid savings, and strong cultural discoveries. Those who underestimate the depth of the life change risk finding the experience tougher than expected. Saudi Arabia is neither an easy Eldorado nor an attraction-free desert: it is a unique environment, demanding but rich, which rewards primarily well-informed and truly ready-to-adapt expatriates.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
