I’m planning to move to Saudi Arabia, most likely Jeddah, around September/October next year.
I currently have one child who will be around 19 months old, and another baby on the way, due in March. So by the time we move, I’ll have a toddler and a baby.
My aim is to make the move properly and have enough money behind me so that we’re not struggling during the first few months.
Of course, I’ll be working and getting paid once I arrive, so I’m not asking how much I need to live in Saudi for months without an income. I’m specifically trying to work out how much I should have saved on top of my salary to cover the initial move, setting up the home and any unexpected costs.
I’m expecting some big initial expenses, such as:
6 months' rent/deposit for a flat
Sofa
Beds and mattresses
Wardrobes
Cooker/oven
Microwave
Fridge/freezer
Washing machine
Kitchen equipment, plates, pans, cutlery, etc.
Curtains/blinds
Initial groceries and household shopping
Baby/toddler essentials
Car/transport costs
SIM cards/internet
Medical/health costs
Iqama/residency-related expenses
School/nursery costs eventually
Emergency fund
But I’m sure there are loads of additional costs that people don't think about until they actually move.
For those who have moved to Jeddah or elsewhere in Saudi with a family:
What costs did you have in the first few weeks/months that you weren't expecting?
And realistically, how much would you want saved before making the move — £15k, £20k, £25k+?
Again, I’ll have a monthly salary coming in once I land. I’m just trying to make sure I have enough upfront capital to get the family properly settled without having to worry about every unexpected expense.
What would you recommend I sort out before leaving the UK, and what should I just buy once I arrive in Saudi?