salary

That's 14,000 basic salary or package?  Regardless, that's a very good salary, however, for a European citizen, on the very bottom end of the scale for non-teaching jobs compared to all the Europeans/Americans I know.  What field is this in?  For non-teaching jobs, salaries for Westerners range from about 20k to 100k+.  Teaching, about 12k to 25k.

Apartments in major Saudi cities for singles or couples are typically 15-25k per year depending on size and location.  If you want to stay in a Western compound, that will set you back about 50-70k per year, but of course, comes with its own benefits and amenities.

it's monthly salary !!  without house rent allowance
I' ll have 80 000 riyals housing allowance per year

Yeah I know it is monthly, did I show any confusion regarding that?  So you get 80,000 for housing... well you gotta say that in your original post, right, if you want accurate answers?!  Stay in a compound easily, and even save up to 20k of that allowance.

sorry I want answer that it's monthly  basic salary. more housing I have a flight ticket per year.
I'll work in saudi hypermarket.
do you think that it is easy to find appartement ?

Finding an apartment is not that difficult, but getting a place in a compound may be difficult.  I don't know the situation in Khobar, but in Jeddah all compounds have waiting lists.  If you get a place in a compound when you arrive, that's great, otherwise, stay in an apartment and then put your name down for a few compounds.  Or, maybe you can ask your employer to arrange compound housing for you.

There are also what are called as "furnished apartments" here.  You can get one easily on a long term basis for about 3-4k per month depending on size and location.  Those are easier to find than regular unfurnished apartments.

hi
thanks a lot for your answer
I think that it will be à great adventure !!

The supermarket you're going to work at (Carrefour?) should have expats already there. One choice would be to stay with them for a few days while you find somewhere to live. A few meals on the Corniche would be ample payment. If not there are many hotels in Khobar.

14k/month is easily enough for a non-extravagant lifestyle (i.e. not going to Dubai / Bahrain every weekend) in Khobar. There are thousands of furnished apartments/suites in the area, to accommodate Saudis in a holiday residence. Some are ridiculously expensive so don't accept the first you're offered, taxis are pretty cheap so you don't have to be close to work either.

hi full monty

yes the supermarket is carrefour. 14k it's only my salary monthly I also 80k  housing allwance pear year.
then I hope this is enough  go evry week end too bahrain I saw that it wasn't far

Hi numag,

Do your new colleagues go over the causeway to Bahrain every week? I'd be surprised if they do as it takes a while to get there - the traffic is heavy - and back, and sometimes just chilling, reading, walking or playing sports at the weekend is better.

hi !!   full monty

I dont know beacause I'm not yet in Khobar I will  be there on march. also I think you're rigth, all weekend it seemes too much.
but I' m afraid to be alone and aimless. I hope quickly find friends and social relationships 
I will take with me several books. but can you tell me what kind of sports we can practice there ?

Hello numag1,

Concerning your questions about sports, i think that it will be better if you can create an another topic on the Khobar forum. It will give it more visibility.

Thank you,

Priscilla
Expat.com team

Hi,

14k not really allowing you spending much in Bahrain. Otherwise, its the only way to survive here to go as much as you can. I even plan again to live in bahrain and I drive all day twice. Thats even better to live in a free country and staying home at weekends and doing whatever you want.
Even if Khobar is not too too bad, it is also shocking experiences for a lonely European. I know that. Always better to live in compound or renting a flat than you can take anyone to your place - if you can organize anyone and take the risk of it.

Hi Numag1,
                   I have been in Khobar for about three months a I think it is a very nice city. I think that it is a great place to Chill out and just relax.

Since you are coming from France, I assume that you enjoy you daily glass of wine, so that will not be available in Al Khobar as per the rules of the country.

I have been looking at housing recently to suffice my own needs, and basis the housing allowance provided to you, there could be compound housing in the form of a studio or one bedroom apt. Minimum cost would be at least SAR 60K per year.
If you do not mind living outside of a compound, you can surely find unfurnished new flats for single status at a max. rental amount of around 30K. You can also opt to have a roommate and share the rent, which would decrease the amount even further. This will allow you to save a large portion of your housing allowance, or shift it to, perhaps your entertainment/shopping requirements.

A benefit of working in Khobar is easy access to Bahrain via King Fahad Causeway where there are more options for entertainment, and Wine/Bars are readily available in the country. Although you should be warned that crossing the causeway on weekends/holidays will be a disturbing task, and it will probably take about 90-120 minutes to cross the causeway length of approximately 25 kilometers.

Best Regards,

He can have his daily glass of wine since he will be living in a compound!

I have been living  in Al khobar for the last 7 years, I can assure you it is the most suitable place for westerners in K.S.A. but bare in mind, if you chose to live and work here. you have to respect the Saudi cultural and religious believes.   No Alcohols and no chances for hot dates and going out with girls like it is in the west. if you want that you can go to Bahrain and go crazy there. may be K.S.A is a chance for you to have time for yourself,  settle down in life. or write a book or love someone and have a family. I would advise you to live in compound offered by your employer first, later you can ask them to live on your own rentals, and take the housing allowance as cash added to salary.
Carrfoure is located in Rashid mall. behind Rashid mall are many luxury villas and rental compounds and very nice living condominiums. it is called Olaia district .  ask your employer to offer you a living there. it is a walking distance from carrfoure
good luck and welcome.

Abdulrahman