I think it really takes a different kind of person who is willing to live there to begin with. Yes,the compounds are easier to live in than your average Saudi city but just the fact that you have to leave the U.S. and follow laws and customs of another country and a strict Islamic one at that. It's not for everyone. Your income is not taxed like in the U.S. In some cases you are given a home to live in rent free, plus other perks like free airplane tickets for vacations, etc. You can retire at a younger age. I can see where some people are enticed by the opportunity.
I could have pictured myself going there for the money before --- but I would sure be out of there by now. I can see how the adventure --- seeing a different way of life could be interesting but this is beyond that now.