Saudi Arabia is one of the better paid places in the world to teach English, but the headline salary only tells part of the story. What matters more is what is left each month after housing, flights and everyday costs, and that depends heavily on the kind of job you take.
What the salary range looks like
Published estimates put monthly pay for English teachers at roughly SAR 8,000 to SAR 18,000, which is about US$2,100 to $4,500. The lower end is typical of private language schools and entry level posts. The upper end is more common at universities and established international schools, and for teachers with a master’s degree, several years of experience or a CELTA or DELTA. A small number of senior and specialist roles pay more than that. Sources disagree on the exact numbers, so treat any single figure as a guide and rely on the figure written in your contract.
The benefits that change the real value
Many full time contracts include free housing or a housing allowance, a flight allowance or reimbursement, health insurance, paid annual leave and an end of contract bonus. Each of these can be worth several hundred dollars a month once you add them up, so a lower salary with housing and flights included can beat a higher salary where you pay for everything yourself. Saudi Arabia also does not charge personal income tax on salaries, which means the number on your offer is close to the number you receive.
Where the money goes
Living costs are modest when housing is covered. Estimates for a single teacher usually fall between $500 and $1,000 a month. Cost data for Riyadh shows utilities for a regular apartment at around SAR 400 a month, a mobile plan with plenty of data at around SAR 125, home internet at around SAR 270, a monthly public transport pass at around SAR 140 and fuel at about SAR 2.30 a litre. Eating out is inexpensive, and a simple restaurant meal costs around SAR 25.
What teachers actually save
One widely cited estimate says English teachers in Saudi Arabia can save $800 or more per month after expenses. For a single teacher with housing provided, that adds up to around $9,600 over a twelve month contract before any end of contract bonus. Teachers at the top of the pay range who keep spending low can save considerably more. Teachers with families, school fees, a car loan or regular money sent home will save less.
The costs that catch people out
Start up costs are the main surprise. Estimates put the first month at $1,000 to $1,500 for deposits, furnishing, transport and daily needs, and that money is often spent before the first paycheck arrives. Some employers pay the first salary at the end of the first month, so having a cushion matters. Relocation costs, visa and medical fees, and children’s school fees can also eat into savings if the contract does not cover them.
Questions to ask before you sign
Ask whether housing is provided or paid as an allowance, and how much the allowance is. Ask whether flights are covered both ways and when they are paid. Find out whether the end of contract bonus is written into the contract and how it is calculated. Check who pays for the work visa and medical tests, how many teaching hours you will have each week, and when the first salary arrives. A clear written answer to each of these is worth more than a higher number on the first page of the offer.
Want the full picture?
The Complete Expat Guide to Living and Working in Saudi Arabia covers visas, salary negotiation, housing, cultural expectations and savings strategies in more detail, so you can compare offers and plan your move with realistic numbers. You can find it at https://qiblaedu.com/product/ksa-expat-guide/
Figures in this article come from published estimates by teacher training providers, updated in October 2026. Individual offers vary by employer, city and experience.
QiblaEdu is a platform for educators and learners who want English education that aligns with their values. qiblaedu.com