Travel Nurse Housing Guide
Everything you need to know about finding housing for your next travel nursing assignment.
What to Look For
Finding the right housing can make or break a travel nursing assignment. After a 12-hour shift, the last thing you want is an hour-long commute or a noisy apartment. Here are the four pillars of great travel nurse housing.
Furnished Rentals
Look for fully furnished units with utilities included. This saves you the hassle of moving furniture for a 13-week contract. A good furnished rental should include a bed, couch, kitchenware, linens, and reliable WiFi.
Short-Term Leases
Most travel contracts are 13 weeks. Look for month-to-month or 3-month lease options to match your assignment length. Avoid signing a 12-month lease unless you plan to extend or sublet.
Proximity to Hospital
After a 12-hour shift, a short commute matters. We score every listing by drive time to your specific hospital. Aim for 15 minutes or less for the best quality of life.
Safe Neighborhoods
Night shifts mean coming home at 3 AM. Prioritize well-lit areas with secure parking. Ask other travel nurses about the neighborhood, or check local crime maps before signing a lease.
Understanding Your Housing Stipend
Your housing stipend is the tax-free portion of your travel nurse pay package designated for housing costs. Understanding how it works is critical to maximizing your take-home pay.
How Stipends Work
Travel nurse agencies offer two options: company-provided housing or a housing stipend. With company housing, the agency finds and pays for your apartment. With a stipend, you receive a tax-free allowance (typically $1,500 to $3,500/month depending on location) and find your own housing. Most experienced travelers take the stipend because it offers more control and often more savings.
Stipend vs. Company Housing
Taking the stipend and finding affordable housing means you pocket the difference tax-free. For example, if your stipend is $2,800/month and you find a great furnished apartment for $1,800/month, that extra $1,000/month ($3,000 per 13-week contract) goes straight into your savings. Company housing is convenient but usually costs the agency more, which reduces your overall pay package.
Tax Implications
Housing stipends are tax-free only if you maintain a "tax home" — a permanent residence you pay for even while on assignment. The IRS requires you to duplicate expenses (pay for housing in both locations) to qualify. Keep all receipts and consult a tax professional familiar with travel nursing. Without a tax home, your stipend becomes taxable income.
Typical monthly stipends by market: Nashville $2,200-$2,800 | Houston $2,000-$2,600 | Phoenix $2,100-$2,700
Neighborhood Evaluation Checklist
Before committing to a rental, evaluate the neighborhood using this checklist. As a travel nurse, you may not be familiar with the area — these steps help you make a safe, informed decision.
- Drive time to hospital
Test the route during shift-change hours (6:30 AM and 7:00 PM). Our proximity scores estimate this, but real traffic varies.
- Grocery and pharmacy access
Are essentials within 10 minutes? After a long shift, you don't want to drive far for food or medications.
- Parking situation
Is parking included? Is it covered or gated? Night shift nurses need safe, well-lit parking.
- Street noise levels
Visit at night if possible. Avoid units near highways, train tracks, or bars if you're a day sleeper.
- Laundry facilities
In-unit washer/dryer is ideal. If shared, check if machines are well-maintained and available.
- Cell service and WiFi
Test your carrier's signal. Ask about internet speed — you'll need reliable connectivity for telehealth, charting, or just unwinding.
- Nearby hospitals for moonlighting
If you plan to pick up extra shifts, check if other hospitals are nearby for per diem work.
- Pet policy (if applicable)
Traveling with pets? Confirm breed restrictions, deposits, and whether there's outdoor space.
Furnished Rental Checklist
Not all "furnished" rentals are created equal. Some include everything down to towels and coffee mugs, while others provide just a bed and couch. Here's what to confirm before booking.
Essentials (Must-Have)
- Bed with mattress, pillows, and linens
- Couch or seating area
- Kitchen table and chairs
- Pots, pans, dishes, and utensils
- Towels and bath essentials
- Working washer/dryer or laundry access
- WiFi internet included
- Basic cleaning supplies
Nice-to-Have
- Smart TV with streaming access
- Coffee maker and toaster
- Desk or workspace for charting
- Blackout curtains (critical for night shift)
- Iron and ironing board
- Extra storage/closet space
- Outdoor patio or balcony
- Gym access in the building
Pro tip: Ask for a video walkthrough before booking if you can't visit in person. Request photos of the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and any common areas. Check review sites for feedback from other travel nurses who stayed there.
Step-by-Step: Finding Your Housing
- 1Start searching 4-6 weeks early. The best furnished rentals near hospitals get booked fast. Set alerts on Furnished Finder and check Housing Near Hospitals for proximity-scored options.
- 2Know your stipend amount. Get the exact number from your recruiter. Factor in utilities, parking, and renter's insurance when comparing costs.
- 3Use proximity scoring. Our tool calculates estimated drive time to your hospital for every listing. Aim for a proximity score of 75+ (under 15 minutes) for the best commute experience.
- 4Verify the listing. Look for verified listings, read reviews, and ask to speak with the landlord or property manager directly. Request a lease agreement before sending any deposits.
- 5Compare total costs. Rent is just one factor. Add utilities ($100-200/mo if not included), parking ($50-150/mo), renter's insurance ($15-30/mo), and internet ($50-80/mo) for the true monthly cost.
- 6Document everything. Take photos of the unit on move-in day. Note any existing damage in writing and share with the landlord. This protects your security deposit when you leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I budget for housing as a travel nurse?
Most travel nurses spend $1,200-$2,500/month on housing depending on the city. In Nashville, expect $1,500-$2,200 for a furnished 1BR. Houston is slightly cheaper at $1,200-$1,800, and Phoenix ranges from $1,300-$2,000. Always try to stay under your stipend amount to maximize tax-free savings.
Should I take company housing or the stipend?
Most experienced travel nurses take the stipend. You have more control over location, quality, and cost. Company housing is convenient for first-time travelers who want a hands-off experience, but it typically reduces your overall pay package by $200-500/week.
What if my assignment gets cancelled or shortened?
This is why short-term leases matter. Month-to-month agreements protect you from paying rent on an empty apartment. If you signed a 3-month lease, check the cancellation clause. Some landlords on Furnished Finder offer nurse-friendly cancellation policies.
Can I share housing with another travel nurse?
Yes, and many do. Splitting a 2BR apartment cuts costs significantly. Facebook travel nurse groups and agency message boards are good places to find roommates. Just make sure both names are on the lease for protection.
How far from the hospital is too far?
We recommend staying within 20 minutes of your hospital. Our scoring system gives the highest scores to listings under 10 minutes away. After 12-hour shifts — especially night shifts — a short commute isn't just convenient, it's a safety issue.
What's the difference between Furnished Finder and Apartments.com?
Furnished Finder specializes in furnished, short-term rentals specifically for travel healthcare workers. Listings are often from individual landlords who understand travel nurse needs. Apartments.com covers the broader rental market including unfurnished, long-term apartments. Use Furnished Finder for ready-to-move-in options, and Apartments.com when you want more choices or plan to furnish your own place.
Available Cities
We currently cover hospitals and housing in three major metros. Each city page shows all nearby hospitals with proximity-scored listings.
Atlanta, GA
Austin, TX
Baltimore, MD
Boston, MA
Charlotte, NC
Chicago, IL
Cleveland, OH
Columbus, OH
Dallas, TX
Denver, CO
Detroit, MI
Houston, TX
Los Angeles, CA
Miami, FL
Minneapolis, MN
Nashville, TN
New York, NY
Orlando, FL
Philadelphia, PA
Phoenix, AZ
Pittsburgh, PA
Portland, OR
Raleigh, NC
San Antonio, TX
San Diego, CA
San Francisco, CA
Seattle, WA
St. Louis, MO
Tampa, FL
Washington, DC
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