Bill.0

Hello,

I received a verbal offer for a project manager job in Riyadh.
The monthly salary is 35k SAR which is exactly 25% uplift of my current salary. The offer also includes a 30k annual school allowance for each kid and annual business class flight tickets.
I have one day to accept or refuse.
Do you think this a good money for a family of 3? Do you think they would negotiate?
thanks,

Traveler20

I am not an expert in KSA living/packages but I don’t think you can live a western expat lifestyle or save much if any on that salary imo. That said, it all depends on where you’re coming from and what your goals/expectations are. Schooling allowance wouldn’t cover the cost of good schooling.

Bill.0

Thank for your post.
I will be moving from Canada
I have drafted the monthly budget below:
Rent 7000 apartment outside, not in a compound
School 3500 with the 30k from company will be 72k/year
Utilities 800
Internet 350
Phone plans 200
Car loan 2000
Gas 375
Groceries 2500
Entertainment 350
Car isurance 300
The total will be less than 18k
Am I right?

Traveler20

I can’t really comment on the cost of living in KSA, but from speaking to expats in the past I know you can live really cheap depending on where in KSA. Riyadh is probably the most expensive and obviously the quality of your accommodation and general lifestyle …etc would make a big difference in your budget.

Is your pay and saving high enough to tolerate the work culture in the middle east? Will you save enough to accept the almost non existence job security?

What’s your motive for moving? Imo an employer that asks for a decision within a day is a red flag from the get go.

clownshow

Riyadh is incredibly expensive. To give you an idea, a meal out here (not fine dining as there isn't anything comparable in KSA where customer service does not exist) is on par with what I was spending on a meal out in Manhattan. Riyadh is not Manhattan suffice to say.

Also your utilities need adjusting. My phone (that I don't make any calls on) costs on average between 600 to 800sar per month. Groceries are expensive, car rental/leasing you're looking at around 4-5k a month (eKar app is probably cheapest for rentals). You'll save money off a compound as on average for a studio/1 bedroom compound unit you're looking at around 8-12k per month.

35K is a little on the low side for a PM but budgets are being pinched here all over, so it really depends on your circumstances. If it's a PIF/NEOM related project where 25 percent uplift is standard, then there's no point in negotiating.

Good luck.

clownshow

Two excellent points by my learned colleague.

Job security really is zero. You are a not even a number. Expats are used, broken and replaced easily, and don't expect any support from HR.Just accept that each and every day is the day you could be told to pack your bag, so don't burn your bridges in your home country.

And I agree that giving you 24 hours notice is not a good indicator. Tread carefully.

Bert_Hoffman

Depends on position level and job role. I've got friends at senior PM's on 50-60k inc. allowances. but they are client side which is tough!
The big firms are paying well but depends on so many variables.