Finding a place to stay as a travel nurse can be one of the toughest parts of our mobile healthcare career. Assignments usually last 12-13 weeks before we need to move again. The constant search for comfortable and affordable housing becomes a puzzle we need to solve repeatedly.

Your take-home pay can be substantially affected by housing costs. This becomes even more critical in expensive areas like Sacramento, where the Per Diem lodging rate reaches $145 per day. Rent can eat up much of your income in states like North Carolina if you don’t plan your travel nurse housing carefully. Many seasoned professionals choose housing stipends over agency-provided accommodations. This choice helps them boost their earning potential and save extra money when they secure housing below the stipend rate.

Finding suitable housing is one of the biggest challenges in travel nursing. Over the years, experienced nurses have shared proven, money-saving strategies that make the process easier. This article explores whether travel nurses receive free housing, how housing stipends work, and practical ways to secure affordable accommodations.

Start with the Big Decision: Stipend or Agency Housing?

A vital choice awaits you as you start your travel nursing trip – one that will affect your finances and lifestyle. You’ll need to decide between accepting agency housing or taking a housing stipend to find your own place.

Pros and cons of each option

Agency Housing Benefits:

• Simple and convenient—the agency takes care of everything from finding the place to setting up utilities ^[1]
• No upfront costs (except sometimes pet deposits) ^[2]
• Protection if your assignment gets canceled ^[3]
• Housing experts find safe, clean places within reasonable commute time ^[1]

Agency Housing Drawbacks:

• You can’t control where you live and what amenities you get ^[4]
• You give up your housing stipend completely ^[5]
• Families or pets might need extra arrangements ^[6]

Stipend Benefits:

• You choose your location, amenities, and move-in/move-out dates ^[6]
• You can save extra money by finding housing below the stipend amount ^[3]
• You can share housing with other travel nurses to cut costs ^[7]

Stipend Drawbacks:

• Finding a place takes time, especially in new areas ^[7]
• You pay all upfront costs including security deposits ^[2]
• Your lease might stick with you if your assignment ends early ^[8]

How stipends affect your take-home pay

Travel nurses get paid differently – they receive taxed hourly wages plus untaxed stipends for housing, meals, and incidentals ^[9]. These tax-free stipends can boost your take-home pay substantially:

• You keep the difference tax-free if you find housing below your stipend amount ^[3]
• Many travelers save between $400-$1500 per month by finding their own places ^[2]

Some important points to remember:

• You need a legitimate tax home to qualify for tax-free stipends ^[9]
• Agencies calculate stipends hourly—missing a 10-hour shift means losing 10 hours of stipends ^[8]
• High stipends mean lower taxable income, which can affect loan qualification and Social Security benefits ^[9]

What agency housing usually includes

Agency-provided housing typically gives you:

• A one-bedroom apartment or extended-stay hotel (for assignments under 10 weeks) ^[2]
• Basic furniture package with:
  • Bedroom: Queen bed, nightstand, dresser, lamp
  • Living room: Couch, chair, coffee table, end table, lamp
  • Dining area: Small kitchen table with chairs ^[4]
• Covered utilities (water, electric, gas, sewer, trash) ^[10]

Cable, internet, and housewares like dishes and linens aren’t usually included ^[4]. On top of that, agencies often deduct the housing cost from your total compensation package—even though some market it as “free housing” ^[3].

Your priorities will determine whether to choose stipend or agency housing. Most experienced travel nurses suggest starting with agency housing for your first assignment. You can switch to the stipend option once you feel more relaxed with the travel nursing lifestyle.

Veteran Travel Nurses Share Their Top 8 Housing Tips

Travel nurses who’ve spent years on the road have become skilled at finding budget-friendly, comfortable places to stay. These tried-and-true strategies can save you thousands and make each assignment feel more like home.

1. Always research the area before booking

Smart travel nurses never book accommodations without seeing them first. Research neighborhood safety, distance to your facility, and local amenities before you commit to any rental. A good understanding of the area helps you avoid common problems like unsafe neighborhoods or surprisingly long commutes. You should check crime statistics online and ask staff at your upcoming facility about the best areas. A thorough look at typical utility costs and seasonal price changes gives you a realistic budget before you arrive.

2. Join travel nurse Facebook groups for leads

Social media has turned into a treasure trove for housing opportunities. The Gypsy Nurse maintains a dedicated housing group where landlords who work with travelers list their properties ^[11]. These groups let you check potential landlords by getting feedback from other nurses. Still, stay cautious—like anything online, do your homework before sending money or signing contracts with someone you’ve met virtually ^[11].

3. Use your tax home to keep stipends tax-free

To qualify for tax-free stipends, you need a legitimate tax home. The IRS defines this as “the general area of your main place of business, employment, or post of duty” ^[12]. Your tax home requirements include:

• A permanent residence in a specific location
• Double living expenses while on assignment
• Strong ties through driver’s licenses, tax payments, and voter registration
• At least 30 days per year at your tax home ^[12]

Your tax bill could be substantially higher without a proper tax home.

4. Book month-to-month leases for flexibility

Travel nursing contracts can change without warning. Month-to-month leases protect you when assignments end early or run longer than predicted ^[13]. This flexibility saves you from paying for empty apartments or rushing to find new housing if your contract extends. Make sure you know the cancelation policies and early termination fees before signing.

5. Avoid tourist season in high-cost cities

Smart timing can slash your housing costs. Rent in tourist hotspots usually jumps during peak months, which can strain your budget if your assignment covers high season ^[14]. Off-season rentals might come cheaper, giving you extra money for other expenses. The GSA might increase stipend limits during winter months in some areas because of rising living costs and housing shortages ^[15].

6. Share housing with other travel nurses

Splitting costs with fellow travelers saves money better than most other strategies. Two-bedroom apartments usually cost nowhere near double what you’d pay for one bedroom ^[16]. When both nurses can get tax-free stipends, you can split one nurse’s housing stipend (if the other takes agency housing) or divide all housing costs equally ^[16]. Just work out payment details before moving in together.

7. Use extended-stay hotels for short contracts

Extended-stay hotels work great for assignments under 10 weeks, offering convenience without long commitments. Many nurses skip this option thinking it will get pricey, but direct negotiation often leads to great deals ^[11]. Hotels often waive certain fees for longer stays when you call them directly instead of booking online ^[11]. Free breakfast, complimentary paper goods, and on-site laundry can help your budget stretch further ^[3].

8. Keep a go-bag with essentials to save on setup costs

Experienced nurses keep essential items in one secure container. This saves them from long-distance transport or buying replacements ^[15]. Their “go-bag” usually has kitchen basics, favorite linens, and personal items that make temporary housing feel like home. Check what your housing includes before packing to avoid bringing items you won’t need ^[17].

How Do Travel Nurses Find Housing Today?

Digital tools have changed how travel nurses find housing. The old ways of depending on agency suggestions and classified ads are gone. Let’s look at how travel nurses find places to stay these days.

Top platforms: Furnished Finder, Airbnb, VRBO

Furnished Finder leads the pack as a platform built just for travel nurses. The site has over 300,000 furnished properties in all U.S. states ^[7] and serves the healthcare travel community for more than 10 years. The platform stands out because tenants talk straight to landlords with no booking fees or price markups ^[7]. Property owners must clear background checks before they can list anything, which gives travelers extra peace of mind ^[18].

Airbnb stays popular even though it’s not just for healthcare workers. The platform has over 6 million places to stay in more than 100,000 cities worldwide ^[18]. You can rent anything from a single room to a whole house. Search filters help you pick the right type of housing, price range, and features. Many hosts give good discounts for longer stays too ^[19].

VRBO (Vacation Rentals By Owner) has over 2 million rentals ^[18] and focuses on giving you the whole place to yourself ^[19]. People who don’t like Airbnb’s fees often find VRBO a better choice with different rules about cancelations and fees ^[9].

Tips for filtering listings by hospital proximity

Your best bet is to keep the commute under 30 minutes ^[8]. Furnished Finder’s “Travel Nurse Housing Map” shows you places near your workplace ^[20]. Other websites let you look for rentals within 20-30 minutes of where you’ll work ^[21].

Places right next to hospitals usually cost more ^[21]. You might save money by looking a bit further out. A few extra minutes of driving could mean paying much less rent.

How to contact landlords and negotiate terms

Start by sending messages through the platform, but feel free to call or text if you get their number. Furnished Finder listings often get faster responses through phone calls than messages ^[22].

Good things to ask about:

• Paying everything upfront might get you a better deal ^[23]
• Flexible cancelation rules because nursing contracts can change ^[19]
• Fair security deposits (Furnished Finder suggests about one-third of monthly rent) ^[24]

Local realtors can help too. They know the market well, handle paperwork, and negotiate prices. This expertise often saves you time and money ^[23].

What to Consider Before Signing a Lease

Your travel nursing experience depends heavily on the fine print in your rental agreement. Finding a place to stay is just the first step – a thorough review of lease terms is a vital part of the process.

Lease length and cancelation policies

Travel nurse contracts typically last 8-26 weeks, which makes flexible rental agreements a must ^[1]. You should look for month-to-month leases that match your assignment length ^[10]. This way, you won’t pay for an empty apartment if your contract ends early.

The way your landlord handles cancelations matters a lot. Some property owners understand how unpredictable travel nursing can be. One landlord put it simply: “If nurses show proof of their contract being canceled, we’ll give them a 14-day out of their lease and return their deposit” ^[5].

Get everything about cancelations in writing. Know what penalties you might face for early termination. Ask about your options if your contract gets extended.

Included utilities and furnishings

All-inclusive rentals make life easier. They package utilities, internet, and sometimes parking into one monthly payment ^[25]. Double-check which utilities come with your rent – many short-term rentals cover water, electric, gas, sewer, and trash ^[26].

Look for fully furnished, move-in-ready properties that come with furniture, appliances, and kitchenware ^[27]. This saves you from buying things you’ll only use temporarily. A comfortable mattress should be high on your priority list – you’ll need quality sleep after those long shifts ^[28].

Parking, pet policies, and safety features

Parking options differ by location. Free parking comes with some properties, while others charge extra or don’t offer dedicated spots ^[26]. Secured parking near your entrance becomes especially important when you work odd hours.

Pet owners need to be upfront about their animals. Many properties want pet deposits for each animal plus monthly “pet rent” ^[1]. You’ll likely need to show vaccination records and maybe pet licenses too ^[6].

Safety isn’t something you can compromise on, especially with night shifts. Your place needs secure locks, good lighting, and working smoke/carbon monoxide detectors ^[28]. Many travel nurse housing platforms verify their listings meet these safety standards ^[27].

Stretching Your Stipend Without Sacrificing Comfort

Your travel nursing experience can change from stressful to successful by managing your housing stipend well. Your stipend counts as untaxed income if you maintain a valid tax home and meet IRS requirements ^[2].

Budgeting for rent, utilities, and deposits

Most experienced travel nurses set aside about one-fourth of their monthly income (one weekly paycheck) for housing ^[4]. This approach leaves three-quarters of your earnings for savings, home expenses, or enjoying your assignment location. You’ll need $1000-$2000 before your first paycheck arrives to cover these upfront costs:

• Housing deposits: Approximately $1000
• First month’s rent: Varies by location
• Simple setup supplies: Around $250 ^[29]

Choosing between privacy and savings

Your personal priorities will determine the privacy-versus-savings decision. Expenses can drop significantly if you share accommodations with other travel nurses ^[30]. A two-bedroom apartment’s cost usually runs less than double a one-bedroom unit, which creates immediate savings ^[30]. Privacy-focused nurses might prefer properties without luxury amenities—the rooftop lounge or fitness center might not matter much after tiring shifts ^[30].

When to splurge and when to save

All-inclusive rentals with utilities included in monthly rates make excellent starting points ^[30]. This setup eliminates hassles and keeps expenses predictable. Properties closer to your facility deserve the extra cost—time and fuel savings often make up for higher rent ^[30]. Short contracts under ten weeks might find better value in extended-stay hotels, especially through direct negotiations rather than online bookings ^[31].

Conclusion

Housing remains one of the biggest challenges we face as travel nurses. Our comfort and finances depend heavily on where we choose to live during assignments. Each housing option has its own perks based on what you need.

Most new travel nurses pick agency housing for their first assignment before switching to stipends once they feel comfortable. This lets you learn everything without worrying about finding a place to live right away. Housing platforms like Furnished Finder, Airbnb, and VRBO now make it much easier to find temporary homes compared to past years.

Seasoned nurses who’ve been in the field for 10 years share eight great money-saving tips. The best strategies include doing your homework before booking, keeping a proper tax home, and splitting costs with roommates. Month-to-month leases give you the flexibility you need when assignments don’t go as planned.

Your housing budget needs careful planning. A good rule is to spend about one-fourth of your monthly income on housing – that’s roughly one paycheck. This leaves enough money to save and enjoy your temporary location.

Take time to inspect cancelation policies, utility costs, furniture, and safety features before signing any lease. These details make the difference between a stressful stay and feeling at home during your assignment.

Travel nursing gives you a chance to earn tax-free stipends. Learning how to get the most from these benefits while following tax rules is key to success in this field.

Finding the right place might seem tough at first. These tips from nurses who’ve been there will help you create a system that works. You’ll learn what fits your lifestyle with each new assignment. Before you know it, you’ll be the experienced nurse helping newcomers find their perfect temporary home.

Key Takeaways

Master these essential housing strategies to maximize your earnings and comfort as a travel nurse while navigating the complexities of temporary accommodations.

• Choose stipends over agency housing – Taking housing stipends instead of agency accommodations can save $400-$1500 monthly and lets you pocket the difference if you find cheaper housing.

• Maintain a legitimate tax home – Keep a permanent residence and return home 30+ days yearly to qualify for tax-free stipends, which significantly boost your take-home pay.

• Use specialized platforms strategically – Furnished Finder offers 300,000+ healthcare-specific properties, while Airbnb and VRBO provide flexibility with monthly discounts for extended stays.

• Budget one paycheck for housing – Allocate approximately 25% of monthly income to housing costs and prepare $1,000-$2,000 upfront for deposits and first month’s rent.

• Prioritize flexibility in lease terms – Seek month-to-month agreements and clear cancelation policies since travel nursing contracts can change unexpectedly, protecting you from financial penalties.

The key to successful travel nurse housing lies in balancing cost savings with comfort while maintaining tax compliance. Start with agency housing for your first assignment to learn the ropes, then transition to stipends as you gain experience and confidence in finding your own accommodations.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.