The expert guide to travel nurse housing

Finding the right housing as a travel nurse can be a challenging aspect of preparing for your assignment. The idea of uprooting their home can be a source of anxiety for anyone, but we're dedicated to easing any worries you might have by ensuring you are informed before any decisions are made. To make the best choice, it is imperative to fully understand your options. 

Understanding your housing options 

Travel nurses typically have two primary housing options: 

Agency-provided housing 

Although many travel nursing agencies offer fully furnished options, many nurses opt to source their own accommodation to ensure it fits their requirements and to benefit from the housing stipend. 

Housing stipend 

Instead of agency-arranged housing, you can receive a tax-free stipend to secure your own accommodation. This option offers more flexibility and control over where you live, which allows you to select a base during your assignment that meets your personal and professional needs.  

The stipend amount you receive can vary due to several factors such as location, time of year, and length of assignment, so make sure you budget wisely to cover rent, utilities, and any other housing expenses. The GSA sets per diem rates that can serve as a guideline for tax-free limits, but the actual housing stipend is determined by the chosen travel nurse agency based on their bill rate, which is negotiated with the facility. As of 2025, the standard per diem rate of $178 applies to the majority of the continental US.   

The pros of agency-provided housing 

• There are no upfront costs or deposits, so you won’t have to be reimbursed for any housing expenses 

• Utilities and furniture are often included, which can be highly convenient (though this is also often the case with private short-term rentals) 

The cons of agency-provided housing 

• You aren’t able to choose where you live, so the location may be inconvenient  

• Pets or family members may not be accommodated  

• You have less control over the living situation, so the facilities may not be to your liking 

The pros of taking the housing stipend 

• There’s more flexibility in choosing location and type of housing 

• You can save money if you find affordable accommodations- this is because you have a fixed tax-free stipend, so if your accommodation costs are less than your stipend- you save the rest 

• You have the option to stay with family, friends, or in pet-friendly rentals 

The cons of taking the housing stipend 

• It requires time and effort to find suitable housing that aligns with your needs and your stipend amount  

• You may be responsible for deposits, utilities, and furnishings 

Things to consider when looking for your housing 

Location 

 A short commute can reduce stress and transportation costs. It's important to not just consider the length of your journey to work, but also the price of gas and the levels of traffic in the area. You should also weigh this up with proximity to childcare (if applicable) and hobbies to ensure your housing is in a convenient central location.  

Safety 

Research the neighborhood and read reviews before committing to a property in the area. You may be assigned irregular shift patterns which could mean working or commuting during unsociable hours, so it's important to feel safe wherever you're staying. 

Furnishings and Utilities 

You can avoid extra expenses by looking for fully furnished rentals. Plus, by finding a property that has utilities included in the monthly rent, you’re able to budget more predictably and potentially make your housing stipend go further. 

Pet and family policies 

If you travel with pets or family, search for options that specifically say they accommodate for this, consult your rental contracts thoroughly, and be transparent with your landlord.  

The length of the lease 

Make sure the length of your lease aligns with the length of your assignment or the amount of time you want to be in the area. Otherwise, you may end up having to move mid-assignment or pay for a place you’re not living in! 

Here are some resources to find your ideal accommodation: 

• Short-term rental platforms, such as Airbnb and Spareroom 

• Extended stay hotels, like Marriott Extended Stay, Residence Inn, and Extended Stay America 

• Travel nurse social media groups; travel nurse communities on Facebook or Reddit will be able to provide personal recommendations 

How to budget for your housing  

• Compare the stipend amount with local rental costs 

• Consider shared housing options to save money 

• Don’t forget to budget for utilities, up-front costs like deposits, and furniture if needed 

Make sure you avoid housing scams 

• Only use reputable websites and agencies- reading reviews and going off recommendations from trusted sources is a safe-bet 

• Always view the property in person  

• Don’t send any money without verifying the property and legitimacy of the landlord 

• Watch for listings with prices that seem too good to be true- they probably are! 

Are you looking to dive into the wealth of opportunities that travel nursing has to offer, but have concerns about housing holding you back? 

Speak to our expert team, who can advise on your housing stipend and alleviate any concerns you may have about the moving process!