do travel nurse agencies pay for housing

How Do Travel Nurses Find Housing? Agency vs. Stipend

For many travel nurses, housing is one of the most important pieces of the pay package , but can also be one of the most challenging aspects of being a traveler. It provides this exciting, yet terrifying adventure of finding a new home while having to sign a contract sight unseen most of the time.

Housing has certainly become a deal breaker for us — we won’t sign a contract until we know 100% what we’re getting into for housing.

Housing can make or break an assignment. Whether you’re a first-timer or a traveler who has been doing it for years, you’ll want to feel settled and comfortable in your new home. With the transitions between new jobs and new friend groups, having a safe and comfortable place to come home to is one of the highest priorities in a new contract.

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Travel Nurse Housing Options

Travel nurse housing is available in two options:

• Agency-placed housing – Your staffing agency makes housing arrangements for you.
• Stipend pay – You receive a stipend and make your own housing arrangements.

I have used both options depending on the assignment. I know several travelers who only take agency-provided housing — it’s simple and one less thing to worry about. I also know travel nurses who take the stipend and either find their own housing or travel in an RV. One option isn’t necessarily better than the other. It really depends on what will work best for you.

Agency-Placed Housing

Typically, the more stress-free option for finding housing would be to allow the agency to provide it for you. Most agencies have an internal housing department that finds a place for a short-term lease (often they have long leases that they rotate travelers in and out). The agency also rents your furniture package, pays your utilities, and can even get you housewares like linens and dishes (typically, for an extra fee).

I’ve also heard of some agencies paying for cable and internet, though that’s not common. Often, they will set you up at an extended-stay hotel that has all of those amenities already provided.

Usually, agencies send you two to three housing options to choose from (if available and if you ask), but ultimately, they’re going to place you where is most convenient for them (typically what is currently available and the cheapest). You can request what you want, but there is no guarantee you will get it. Agencies often have access to discounts that are inaccessible to travel nurses.

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Benefits of agency-placed housing

• The simplicity of it. If you aren’t super-concerned about housing or are new to traveling, it’s definitely the easier way to do things. You don’t have to worry about security deposits, arranging utilities, etc.
• The availability of housing. It may be difficult to find housing in smaller cities with limited housing options on your own.
• Better prices on housing. Agency-placed housing may offer you better housing options than what you can afford with the housing stipend. For example, finding a furnished, short-term lease that includes utilities during the holidays in a safe neighborhood in Manhattan for $1,600 per month will be tough.
• Better treatment. Landlords and property managers may be more attentive and helpful when they’re trying to please a large corporate staffing agency with the potential for a long-term contract versus an individual needing only a three-month lease.
• No money up-front. You don’t have to come up with money out of pocket for the lease, deposits, etc.
• Safeguard for cancellations. You eliminate a potentially expensive problem if your assignment gets canceled before your lease is up.

Stipend Pay

Understanding travel nurse contracts and the way a company pays travel nurses is the first step in deciding which route to go. Some companies pay nurses an extremely low hourly rate (as low as $20/hr), but that is the only money that is taxable.

The additional money falls into the housing and cost of living stipends, which are not taxed. Some agencies will look at the housing stipends and spend all of it, or the large majority while booking your agency-provided housing. Then, you are left with a small amount of money earned while at work. However, if you can find cheaper housing on your own, you can pocket the rest of what is left over from the stipend.

When you choose stipend pay, you’re responsible for finding, booking, and paying for all of your own housing and the expenses that go along with it. The actual dollar amount will differ based on the location and your specific contract, but it is typically adjusted based on the cost of living in that region. The travel company will provide you with either a weekly or monthly total for the specific stipend.

The best way to go about this is to find a fully furnished place that will include utilities, cable, and internet. These types of rentals often include all housewares and basic furniture, so all you have to bring are personal items.

Other travel nurses rent a standard apartment or house and then rent, bring, or buy furniture and set up utilities, etc. on their own as if they were a long-term renter. While even more adventurous travel nurses live in an RV or try van-life and rent a spot in a campground or RV park, the location is not likely to be right in the heart of a city.

Even though the stipend may sound like a lot, finding a decent, inexpensive three-month rental isn’t easy — often places charge a premium for short-term leases (sometimes double or triple the normal rent).

One of the other biggest challenges is trusting that the house/apartment will fit your needs without seeing it in person first. A lot of single travelers will rent rooms in houses, but that also provides a risk since you don’t have the opportunity to meet your roommates ahead of time. At a minimum, we recommend doing a video call with the landlord to meet them and view the property. Also, look for reviews from other nurses on Furnished Finder or Airbnb for the unit.

Benefits of stipend pay (and finding your own housing)

• You have control of where you live. Travel nursing for us is all about immersing ourselves in new cities . Everyone values different things in their home, and it is very nice having the option to prioritize what is most important to you. For some people, location is everything. Others want a place that looks nice and trendy, and they don’t mind a short commute. Using the stipend provided by the company allows for total control of where you live.
• You have control over how you want to live. Everyone has different preferences for which housing amenities they find the most important. For example, having a washer & dryer in the unit is important to many travel nurses, and most agencies don’t include that as part of their standard housing package. Sometimes the housing they find does include it, but oftentimes it doesn’t and you either have to pay extra for it or use laundromats. Some nurses may be comfortable splitting housing with roommates to save money, while others may want an entire place to themselves. Someone may find it important to be able to walk to attractions while others may just want something pet-friendly for their furry family members.
• You can make money off of the housing stipends. Some travel nurses find cheap housing and pocket the excess stipend money. Taking your own furniture or buying used items can save money too. Travel nursing in pairs can make you the most money — one of you can take agency-placed housing and the other the stipend and split it, or you both take the stipend and find a place together for cheaper rent. Sometimes, nurses are even able to find staff at the hospital to stay with for very reasonable rent.
• You have extra time to get settled. When taking agency-placed housing, you’re typically allotted two days to move in before your start date and two days following the last day of your contract. The flexibility to set your own move-in and move-out dates is nice and allows for additional time to travel or explore more of the area surrounding your contract dates.

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Housing FAQ

If you take agency-provided housing and don’t ask for any upgrades, then yes. If you take the housing stipend and find something within that budget, then the answer is also yes. But if you want upgrades like two bedrooms, a vacuum, or a washer/dryer in the unit, you’ll have to pay extra. Likewise, if you can’t find what you want for the stipend amount, you may have to pay a little out of pocket.

Most agencies pay for utilities (gas, electricity, water) up to a certain point. With private housing, many landlords also include utilities (gas, electric, water, and internet) in the rent since it’s considered a “short-term rental”. Cable (and sometimes internet) may be at your own expense, although some companies do pay for that as well. As mentioned before, a lot of company housing involves extended-stay hotels, and therefore everything is covered.

Once you have an address (either agency-placed or arranged by you), contact the property manager or landlord and ask who the providers in the area are. Then compare pricing and schedule set up for your move-in day — you typically have to be present for the installation. Make sure whatever you sign up for doesn’t require a long-term contract. This often works in your favor, because cable companies generally offer promotional freebies for the first three months. Since contracts are generally three months, you’ll get a premium service at a base-level price. The benefit of finding a fully furnished apartment is that almost all of them include wifi with the cost of rent.

For most agency-provided housing, furnished means they’ll provide the following: – Bedroom : Queen-size bed, one nightstand, one dresser, and a lamp – Dining room : Small kitchen table with four chairs – Living room : Couch, chair, an end table, coffee table, a lamp, and a TV stand Dishes, linens, a TV, bedding, and a vacuum are considered extra and will cost more. A washer/dryer and even a microwave are not necessarily standard all the time either. You can negotiate some of these items. Oftentimes, nurses tend to travel with most of these “extras,” but other travelers I know buy them cheap each assignment, so they have less to move with. For private housing, it’s best to confirm what exactly is included in the listing. Many properties listed on Furnished Finder or Airbnb provide similar amenities and supplies that you could expect at a short-term vacation rental. However, doing a video walk-through or seeing a full listing of what’s included will better help you prepare.

Your options for finding housing are nearly endless. Just make sure you thoroughly vet the place and area before signing a lease — a great money saver isn’t worth it if it’s a risk to your safety. Travel nurse housing sites have become very popular as this profession has been highlighted over the past two years. A few ways to consider when finding your own housing: 1. Furnished Finder specializes in housing for travel nurses. With no booking fees for the traveler and background-checked property owners, this company was built from the ground up with the travel nurse in mind. This has quickly become one of the most popular ways to find housing, and you can even get reviews from previous tenants. 2. Facebook There are many groups on Facebook that can be extremely helpful with housing, especially local groups. Some sites will have homes listed for rent, and others have travelers’ feedback about certain places. This can be a great platform to find answers to simple questions as well, such as “what part of town do you recommend living in,” or “does anyone want to split housing in ‘x’ while we work.” 3. Traditional house-hunting sites like forrent.com and apartments.com 4. Vacation rental websites like Airbnb.com , VRBO.com , and homeaway.com 5. Temporary housing sites like sublet.com 6. Non-traditional housing options like couchsurfing.com or houseboat rentals (search by the city for best results) 7. Extended stay hotels like Candlewood , Extended Stay America , Residence Inn , etc. Be sure to ask for Healthcare worker discounts. 8. Craigslist – Although it has a bad reputation for scammers (and yes, they definitely exist), some of the cheapest housing options can be found on craigslist. A tip is to post your own ad that you are searching for furnished housing, and more people might reach out with options. 9. Stay with a friend or family member (maybe even for free!)

Most staffing agencies will give you two to three options to choose from if you ask — and if they have more than one available. You’ll get the spiel though that even if you put in a request it doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed. In my experience, most agencies aren’t typically overly accommodating when it comes to housing. If housing is important to you, it’s important to know what your deal breakers are and be upfront with your recruiter about that from the start. Even then, you may still end up being disappointed. But, contracts are short, and the housing is temporary.

The amount a company will pay you for your housing stipend is completely dependent on where you are traveling to. The GSA sets housing stipends, and they vary based on the city and state. For instance, the total amount a company will pay per week in Mississippi is vastly different than in San Francisco. Mississippi might be around $300 per week, but San Francisco would be more around $1000 per week. Your recruiter can give you an idea of how much you would make based on the locations you are looking at traveling.

The amount of the housing stipend is determined on the contract, the city, and how the particular agency breaks down its pay package. So, you may get a different amount for each travel nursing assignment.

This is dependent on what you want. Some short-term assignments like strikes do require you to room with a fellow nurse or take less pay to get a private room. Though, you should know this before you apply to the assignment. If you prefer to live alone, travel agencies can accommodate that, or you simply find housing yourself.

Yes! The options will be more limited, and you might have to pay more, but it is definitely possible. It’s something you’ll need to discuss with your recruiter from the start. They’ll have to find pet-friendly housing , and you’ll likely have to pay a pet deposit or pet rent.

Unfortunately, this does happen. Immediately contact your recruiter and in most cases, they’ll fix the problem if it’s truly unacceptable. I know a travel nurse who realized her housing was next door to a methadone clinic. When she contacted her agency, they moved her and the other travel nurses to a safer neighborhood. On the flip side, if you get there and the housing is more run-down than you’d prefer, they may not do anything. This is why I recommend you do your due diligence before you leave for an assignment — it’ll limit housing surprises!

It can be any of the above or even potentially a hotel. If your assignment is in a large city, then you’ll likely be housed in an apartment community. But in smaller towns where options are much more limited, there’s more variety in where you may get placed.

Contact your staffing agency and the landlord immediately. Once the sewage backed up in the house the agency rented us. We contacted our recruiter and the landlord, and someone was sent out that day to take care of the problem. The agency also offered to put us up in a hotel overnight if it wasn’t cleaned up by then — luckily it was. Usually, issues are more minor than this if they happen at all.

This is going to be on a case-by-case basis. If your agency is locked into a lease they can’t get out of, then you’re going to get some resistance. If the housing is truly unacceptable though, they should right the situation. But, if it’s just because you changed your mind, you might have some issues changing housing options last minute.

The big risk with taking the housing stipend is the chance your contract is canceled. Unfortunately, this is one of the biggest risks associated with travel nursing. In my personal experience, I have found most of my own places to live, and I know that the relationship that I have built with my landlords would have been crucial in this scenario. Although it never happened, I would imagine that most of them would have had me pay a few additional weeks’ rent, but then would have returned the rest of the money. However, if you have signed an agreement, not all landlords will take pity on your circumstances. Check the lease or agreement ahead of time and ask for something like this to be added in, if possible.

Sit down and write out what your priorities are. If ease and safety are high on your list, I would recommend going with company housing. But if potentially saving a bit of money and having a choice in where you stay seems more appealing, then venture down the path of taking the stipend. I would always recommend Facetiming with potential roommates or landlords while shopping from afar. This gives you an opportunity to meet them and get a read on their personalities, and ask to see the current condition of the room you might be staying in. Ask a lot of questions and ensure that they are knowledgeable about the house and that it feels like a safe contract to enter into. Personally, I have only taken company-provided housing for short, crisis contracts. These have been wonderful since finding housing on your own for three weeks can be difficult, and quite expensive. The ease of taking company housing was absolutely worth it for the short contracts. Overall, trust your gut. If something feels suspicious, it probably is.

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12 Best Places to Find Travel Nurse Housing

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• How to Find the Best Travel Nurse Housing

Travel Nurse Housing FAQs

For  travel nurses , finding comfortable, safe, and affordable housing is a top priority. Unfortunately, the task is getting harder because inflation has led to rising rental costs nationwide. It’s important to understand your options housing options as a travel nurse, which is why we’ve put together this guide on the best places to find travel nurse housing. 

>> Click here to see available high-paying travel nurse opportunities!

Travel nurses can qualify for almost any temporary or short-term lodging. Some choose to stay at a hotel with various amenities, while others opt to rent a room in a private residence. Most cities offer plenty of possibilities for every taste, preference, and lifestyle. 

This post is meant to provide useful information and should not be relied upon to make decisions, nor does it contain legal advice. Listings are not endorsed, and no association or affiliation is implied.

1. Furnished Finder (Travel Nurse Housing)

Furnished Finder (FF) and its spinoff site, TravelNurseHousing.com, are the most popular among travelers. The company has catered to healthcare professionals needing short-term housing since 2014 and is used by more than 100 medical staffing companies. This site usually has the best options — even in cities with limited choices. Most FF hosts offer month-to-month deals, and terms are negotiated directly with owners. 

FF’s free research tool, the  Travel Nurse Stipend Calculator , shows you the average living expenses for each city. Also, renters can get a free Owner Verification Report to identify problems with the property or landlord. 

Fees:  Free to browse and book directly with the owner; landlords may assess a one-time cleaning fee, deposit (around ⅓ of monthly rent), and pet fee if applicable

Booking details:   Message the owner or send a booking request through the website to initiate

Pros:  Options in hard-to-find locations, free owner verification report, interaction with property owners directly

Cons:  Listings are not continuously monitored for accuracy and may be out of date; some owners may be unresponsive

Another popular site known for travel arrangements is Airbnb. The short-term rental site is known for vacation rentals, but travel nurses can use it to find housing through millions of listings in more than 100,000 cities. It’s the largest platform on our list for travelers. 

Search listings by type to book anything from yurts to cabins or treehouses, all with a homey feel. Airbnb hosts tend to offer perks like extra linens, stocked coffee bars, and even bicycles to use around town. The downside can be that prices and fees are higher compared to some sites on this list.

Fees:  Booking service fees are usually split between the host and guest; the service fees for travelers should be  under 14.2%  of the booking subtotal; hosts may charge for cleaning and pet deposits

Booking details:   Reserve instantly, check availability, or message AirBnB hosts through the website or mobile app to initiate

Pros:  Find unique stays; many comforts of home available at no extra charge, easy to use platform with direct booking capabilities

Cons:  More expensive due to fees; hosts can cancel your booking in rare cases; payment is required upfront each month and may not be  refundable

VRBO (Vacation Rentals By Owner) is another short-term rental site that connects travelers to property owners. Though it’s not a travel nurse housing site per se, the site offers millions of rental options with flexible cancellation policies. 

Since VRBO caters to vacation homeowners, properties tend to be higher-end. Create a  Trip Board to plan your next assignment, compare housing choices, and collaborate with other travelers.

Fees:  Owners set fees for each rental (such as cleaning, pets, and boat fees); VRBO charges owners  8% of the booking  for commission and payment processing

Booking details:  Click Book Now on the site or app, then agree to the terms and conditions to pay and secure the rental

Pros:  24-hour customer service availability and the platform allows partial payments

Cons:  The site charges more fees, which may be passed on to boarders; Cancellation policies are strict and may not provide refunds for cancellations

Corporate housing by owner (corporatehousingbyowner.com) is another popular resource for medical professionals looking for fully furnished short-term leases. This respectable website has been in operation since 2005. 

It offers a user-friendly browsing experience for professional clientele. There are plenty of corporate listings in major cities, with virtual or video tours. 

You can browse listings on your own or submit a no-obligation  housing request. When you send a request, the CHBO team searches for you and then sends a tailored list of properties that meet your budget and needs via email. The company also offers customer care by phone or online chat 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Fees:  No fee to search properties or contact owners; CHBO charges owners an annual or monthly fee for their listing. 

Booking details:   CHBO handles your rental agreement, background and credit checks, deposit, and rental collection

Pros:  24-hour customer service for maintenance, billing, or other problems; properties are professionally managed

Cons:  Monthly rates are on the higher end; CHBO requires full background and credit checks; the fee is expensive for owners to list properties, so you may not see as many options as other websites

5. Facebook Groups

Facebook groups can be a great place to find travel nurse housing, plus insider tips on where/where not to stay from other travelers. You could even find potential roommates if that’s what you want. To find groups for travel nurses, search for specific keywords, including:

“[City] travel nurses”

“Travel nursing: places/rooms for rent”

“Travel nurse housing rentals by landlords”

“Travel nurse housing rentals”

These online communities connect nurses with available housing, learn the locale, and make new friends. This is one we definitely recommend checking out. 

Fees:  Free

Booking details:  Only provides links to listings or tips, not a booking site

Pros:  Get unbiased first-hand experiences and suggestions from other travel nurses

Cons: Fewer listings than other platforms on this list; scammers can also join these groups

6. CraigsList (CL)

For most nurses who take the stipend, finding the most safe and comfortable housing at the lowest rate is the goal. That’s where Craigslist (CL) comes in. 

Wait, I know what you’re thinking. And the answer is yes. Nurses still use CL to find housing. The online directory has been around since the 1990s and is free to use. 

The problem is that most travelers will tell you that CL has more scams than other sites. So, be wary of the red flags we cover below. That said, you can typically find bargains on CL without the fees that other sites add in.

Fees:  Free 

Booking details:   Online listings provide details on how to contact property owners directly for booking

Pros:  Low rates, no fees

Cons:  Free listings are attractive to would-be scammers

Although Zillow is well regarded as the finest option to search for yearly leases or properties to buy, it will also have a fair number of short-term leases. To find them, search rentals by city, add “furnished”, and add the keyword “short term”. You can also add parameters for price, features, and even the type of housing.  

The best feature that Zillow offers over other sites on this list is third-party data about the neighborhood, including a  Walk Score and Bike Score. These walkability rankings can help you plan whether or not you’ll need a car and how you will get around town. It is a useful tool even if you don’t book through Zillow.

Fees:  Free to browse and apply; owners set deposits and fees for their properties

Booking details:  Send a message through the site to property owners/managers to start the process

Pros:  Provides lots of information for listings, including neighborhood data, comparable area rates, maps, and even details about local legal protections for renters 

Cons:  Limited short-term rentals for travelers; not designed for traveling professionals

Zumper is the largest privately owned rental platform in North America, boasting more than 178 million site visits annually. Zumper has a huge bank of listings because it links to additional sites, including VRBO, Evolve, and Rentals United. 

Properties on the Zumper platform also show the “neighborhood vibe” and rate the location’s parks, shopping, nightlife, and transit.

In March, the company announced  major expansions , including a  Flex Pass annual subscription for travelers. This annual membership gives travel nurses access to fully furnished short-term rentals with the best rates, waived security deposits, and dedicated booking support. The Flex Pass is $300 per year, but you can try it free for a limited time. 

Fees:  Rental applicants must  pay $30  for screening (background check, eviction history, and credit report), $10 additional to share the screening with multiple properties, and any additional application fee required by the property owner. 

Booking details : Apply online and submit a digital rental application and credit reports through Zumper’s screening service; you will be notified if you’re approved

Pros:  User-friendly mobile app provides real-time notifications when new rentals are added; offers various types of housing; try Flex Pass free for a limited time 

Cons:  You must pay for the ​​screening up front and could still be denied; inability to talk to the landlord about any issues in your history; you could only write an appeal letter 

9. Short Term Housing

ShortTermHousing.com focuses on 30-day corporate housing rentals for traveling professionals. This site has over 30,000 rentals in more than 6,000 US cities. It is worth checking out, but the rates you’ll find will be higher — starting at $2,800 per month. 

When you visit the website, click “Browse Our Furnished Apartments”, and you’ll be directed to a list of hospitals nationwide with links to “Furnished Housing Near Medical Centers”. This quick tip is an incredibly convenient hack to add to your travel nurse housing search. 

Users also have the option to submit a housing request and have a rental expert contact them. When you pick a property, Short Term Housing collects the deposit, schedules move-in, and sends the lease contract.

Fees:   Free to search and talk to rental experts; fees vary by property

Booking details : Complete a Rental Request to connect with a rental agent

Pros:  Furnished listings with all utilities included designed for working professionals

Cons:  Pricier options; must fill out a tedious rental request detailing your preferences, budget, etc.; unable to book with landlords directly or negotiate terms

10. National Corporate Housing

National is one of the largest corporate housing providers, with local teams in 27 cities across the US. It offers 4- and 5-star fully furnished housing options for working professionals. 

Corporate apartments have a full kitchen, access to laundry, paid utilities, cable/streaming services, and WiFi. And if you’re looking for top-notch customer service, this may be the place to look.  

National listings tend to be more expensive, but there are no hidden fees, and renters pay a flat rate month-to-month. Lease cancellations are permitted with a 15-day notice. This flexibility is great for travel nurses in case their contract is canceled. National Corporate Housing also offers a free  Rental Resource to help with travel nurse housing research. 

Fees:   Free searches and free virtual support; the properties set fees

Booking details : Complete a Request to Book, and a rental agent will contact you

Pros:  High-class accommodations, no dealing with the landlord, free rental resources and support, 24-hour emergency assistance.

Cons:  May not be covered by the standard stipend

11. HomeStay.com

HomeStay’s tagline is: “Live Like a Local, with a Local”. This platform offers travel nurse housing that is different from others on this post because it usually means a shared or private room in a family home. 

HomeStay is much like the company AirBnB started as a way to truly experience a locale by staying in a host’s home and becoming a part of the community. Think of accommodations for an exchange student. That means you won’t find private spaces here. 

HomeStay listings are priced much lower than the other sites on our list. You can find rooms for $30 per night or $900 monthly. Some hosts even include meals. Book directly with the host by sending a message and ironing out the details.

Fees:  Renters pay a 15% booking fee and 25% deposit upfront to secure their arrangement; deposits are refunded with a seven-day notice

Booking details : Message the host to confirm availability and ask questions. When your dates are confirmed, you can pay to reserve the space

Pros:  Most affordable option; staying with others makes traveling less lonely; “live like a local” and explore the community

Cons:   Less privacy

12. Travelers Haven/Blueground

Travelers Haven was formed in 2008 as a travel nurse housing site. Since then, it has grown to a formidable platform offering short-term rentals in all 50 states. According to the company’s website, over 3,000 nurses secure their housing through Travelers Haven each year. 

The company offers customized contracts with flexible terms, 24-hour support, and a customer portal to stay up-to-date on rental arrangements. Listings are not posted. Rather you must provide your contact information, and someone will contact you.

The company  joined Blueground , a corporate apartment rental site, earlier this year. The company plans  continued US growth  to over 20,000 cities over the next two years. Prices on Blueground are slightly lower for corporate-style apartments in desirable neighborhoods. However, these leases typically exclude utilities.

Fees:   No fee to submit a request; landlords can post for free, but Blueground charges a 6% commission

Booking details : Click “Find Your Stay” to have a rep call you

Pros:   Travelers Haven has flexible lease terms and all-inclusive accommodations; no searching; it’s like using a broker that will find options for you; the network is growing with new rentals each day

Cons:  Travelers Haven listings are hidden; Blueground listings exclude utilities

This list was recently shared in a  Reddit thread  and gives a long list of other places to find travel nurse housing. 

• RotatingRoom
• Apartment List also has a  Cost of Living Calculator
• Hello  Landing
• Transplant Housing
• Furnished Apartments
• Corporate Housing
• Housing Helpers
• ForRent.com
• Travel Housing Pro
• CozyCozy is another site that lets you compare listings from AirBnB, VRBO, booking.com, Trip.com, Expedia, and more.

If you’re not quite ready to secure a place to stay yet and are still trying to understand what travel nurse housing is, read on for a full overview of what it is, what’s included, and what to watch out for. 

What is Travel Nurse Housing?

Travel nurse housing is the short-term living arrangement that travelers make for a temporary move to a new city on assignment. A short-term rental agreement is a great solution for nursing professionals who need a comfortable and safe place to stay while working away from home. In general, travel nurse housing accommodations offer a private bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living area for relaxing or socializing.

Travel nurses can choose to stay in private or shared housing. A benefit of sharing travel nurse housing is the chance to meet other travel nurses and share experiences. Nurses who travel with others often make lasting connections.

What’s Included in Travel Nurse Housing?

Travel nurse housing arrangements usually offer basic amenities such as WiFi, laundry facilities, and access to local stores and restaurants. Housing options may include on-site luxuries like pools, lounges, or gyms. 

Upscale travel nurse housing may include 24-hour concierge service, housekeeping, and security alarms. 

Nurses traveling with their furry friends can find pet-friendly travel nurse housing.

Other travel nurse housing amenities to look for include:

• Fully-furnished
• Kitchenware, including pans, silverware, glasses, etc
• Appliances like toasters and microwaves
• Bedding & all linens (two sets are nice!).
• In-home washer and dryer
• Designated parking spaces
• High-speed internet connection 
• Secure access
• The right location!

Housing accommodations vary from city to city. And for most assignments, finding fully furnished apartments in prime neighborhoods with all of the conveniences a travel nurse could need is possible. The challenge may lie in finding housing to fit the budget.

Agency Housing vs. Stipend for Travel Nurse Housing

When it comes to travel nurse housing, there are two main options for nurses: 

Agency-placed housing

A stipend for housing

There are advantages and disadvantages to each depending on your situation.

Agency Housing for Travel Nurse Housing

• Less stress
• No out-of-pocket or upfront costs for deposit, fees, etc
• Travel agencies may lease multiple units at a time, meaning they can get discounted rates nurses won’t find. That usually means that agency-provided housing is a better living experience, with professional management and desirable locations. 
• Few, if any, options
• Inability to negotiate lower living expenses
• Agency-placed housing means that the travel  nursing  agency covers the cost of housing (usually an apartment or rental home) while a nurse is on assignment. This is the simplest way to secure housing. 
• Nurses forfeit some of their preferences as well as the housing stipend. As traveler Kelli Leach puts it, “Agencies send you  two to three housing options  to choose from (if available and if you ask), but ultimately, they’re going to place you where is most convenient for them (typically what is currently available and the cheapest).” 

Stipend for Travel Nursing Housing

• More choice
• Possibility to pocket additional pay. A stipend for travel nurse housing means that the agency gives the nurse tax-free money (a stipend) to cover their housing expenses while on assignment. This could range from hundreds to thousands per month. For some, it is the more attractive option because it lets the nurse choose the housing and budget as they see fit. If you find cheaper housing on your own in a room, basement, or condo, you can pocket the rest of the stipend tax-free.
• More responsibility, effort, and leg work to find short-term housing
• You also get more flexibility in contract duration. You set the lease term. That means you can spend more or less time in the city — before or after the contract — if you want. 
• Picking the stipend is more risky, though. If you choose the stipend but don’t find a place in your budget, you could pay more out of pocket.

Overall, both agency housing and stipends for travel nurse housing have advantages and drawbacks. So weighing the options and deciding which best suits your needs is important.

Traveling Nurse Housing Scams to Watch For

Unfortunately, con artists try to take advantage of visitors in unfamiliar towns. If you’re not cautious, you could become the victim of a travel nurse housing scam. Through internet adverts and transactions, shady people pretend to be landlords in order to mislead potential renters. They want your money or personal details and may or may not have a property for lease.  

Although some housing websites vet landlords and property owners, detecting and preventing every form of fraud is tricky. According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), there are  two main housing scams to know about.  

Bogus Property: The con is that there is no place to rent.  A listing might contain an address, but it may not match street-view photos from Google Maps. More than 5 million people have lost money in this scam. 

Hijacked Ad: In this scenario, there is (or was) a place for rent, but an imposter has copied the listing and put their details as the owner/manager.  The BBB calls this the most common scam involving rentals.

Travel Nurse Housing Red Flags

In most cases, it’s easy to spot red flags in these travel nurse housing scams. Fraudsters often use an unusual story about why they can’t show you the place. Still, they’ll pressure you to send money to hold the property. Other potential red flags to watch for include:

• The owner is not upfront or unclear about the terms, fees, and other details
• The price is way below similar properties in the area
• The property owner lives locally but refuses to meet in person
• Unusual grammar in text/email communications 
• Names on the listing and public records do not match or don’t match the person you’re dealing with
• The owner insists on payment through a wire transfer or to an international account
• Ad images are poor quality, or there are only one or two.
• The landlord is overly eager to strike a deal before any paperwork or background information.
• The owner wants you to sign or pay immediately.
• Suspicious links are sent via email or text (these could be phishing attacks)

Consider these tips when searching for the right rental housing as a travel nurse. If you  run into a scam , report it to the  BBB ScamTracker  and the  Federal Trade Commission . 

How to Find the Best Travel Nurse Housing 

One of the most important aspects of your salary package is housing. Thankfully, more platforms are catering to travel nurses. To attract healthcare workers, most property owners offer similar accommodations and incentives. However, terms, prices, location, and flexibility can make or break a deal.

We hope you found these pointers helpful and use them on your next assignment to find the perfect housing for your next travel nurse adventure! 

How much should I spend on housing as a travel nurse?

• Experts advise keeping your housing costs to less than 30% of your gross monthly income.

Do traveling nurses get a housing stipend?

• In some cases, they do. When they accept a travel nurse assignment, they can accept agency-arranged housing or a stipend.

Is renting to traveling nurses worth it?

• Yes. Nurses make great tenants because they are gainfully employed and have already been subjected to background checks and regular or frequent drug tests through their employers. Nurses are also the most trusted professionals, with a reputation for being dependable and effective communicators.

How do travel nurses afford housing?

• Nurses can accept housing paid for by their staffing agency or take a housing stipend. Those who take a stipend can use it however they see fit, whether renting a room on a website or booking an expensive corporate apartment and paying the difference.

Sarah S. Falcone, BSN, RN, is a nurse and health content writer in Fort Worth, TX. She has worked in various settings, including Med-Surg and L&D, but home health has her heart. Sarah is a passionate advocate for moving advanced levels of care to the home, where her clients can safely receive medical treatments they need, with greater satisfaction and comfort. She focuses on patient experience, outcomes, and advancing clinical models using innovative technology to serve patients better. Sarah draws from 15 years of practicing patient care and nursing leadership, to share her own nursing experiences and expertise online. Connect with her on LinkedIn !

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Finding Housing: Agency vs. Stipend

Housing can make or break your assignment experience. To help you decide which works best for your lifestyle, here’s a comparative look on the two most common options.

Other Housing Options

Travel nurse housing sites.

There are dedicated websites for travel nurse lodging such as: Airbnb – https://www.airbnb.com/ Furnished Finder – https://www.furnishedfinder.com/ VRBO – https://www.vrbo.com/ Hotel Engine – https://members.hotelengine.com/join/stabilityhc Kopa – https://www.kopa.co/kopa-for-good Snap Stays – https://snapstays.com/?utm_source=jpnursebd

Facebook Groups – Travel Nurse Housing The Gypsy Nurse: https://www.thegypsynurse.com/housing/

We also recommend to clinicians to always look at monthly or longer stay bookings as the prices are typically reduced due to the length of stay.

They present housing options that are:

• Fully equipped
• Near hospitals
• Have short-term lease

They offer a wide array of lodging options — from private rooms to complete apartments, and may have bonus features such as incorporating utilities in the monthly rent or being pet-friendly.

Extended-Stay Hotels

Staying at hotels can be a terrific option when you are looking for convenience.

Hotels often provide perks such as:

• Free continental breakfast
• Fully furnished kitchen or kitchenettes
• Bed and kitchen linens
• Pool and hot tub
• Workout facilities
• Events for guests

Ask your nursing recruiter if they have partner hotels that give discounts.

Friends and Relatives

Living with your friends or family is always an option. You can spend quality time with them, and save some money. If those sound good to you then this is a great option to consider.

Housing Considerations

To help you choose the best lodging option that fits your priorities, here are some questions you should ask yourself before finalizing your decision.

General Considerations

Experienced travel nurses prefer self-placement because it allows them to maximize their earning potential. Let’s imagine your rental agency will pay you $3200 per month to find a place to live. If you can get a rental property for $1200, you can save the remaining $2,000.

Are you looking for a way to get a better income? Is it more vital to go on a new adventure? If you want to make as much money as possible, finding your own lodging and taking advantage of the non-taxable travel nurse housing stipend may be the ideal option. You need to have your mind cleared regarding why you are taking on the job.

The typical duration of a travel nurse assignment is 12-13 weeks or three months. This makes it difficult to find rental properties, as even most short-term contracts begin at six months. Monthly furnished rentals are now available through Furnished Finder for traveling professionals who want the convenience and stability of a real home without the credit checks and applications that come with it. But any traveling healthcare workers should visit any travel nurse housing sites, or any housing platform for that matter, and leave no stone unturned in their search.

Any housing-related questions should be answered by your recruiter. Most travel nurse companies strive to maintain accommodation as close to the hospital as possible—usually within a 30-minute commute—but each location will have its own set of alternatives.

When it comes to parking, each area will have its own set of rules. Off-site parking can add time to a daily journey, so it’s crucial to know ahead of time what the situation is. Some hospitals or healthcare facilities charge fees for parking in staff lots, while others provide shuttle service to and from lots farther distant from the facility.

Most travel nurses declare a home base (which allows them to receive the additional stipends because they are only considered to be “traveling” if their destinations are a certain distance from their homes) and usually have financial obligations related to that home base, family members, or personal finances such as loans, medical expenses, transportation, and so on.

Furnished apartments should include all essential items, such as tables, seats, lights, and mattresses. Except in places where it is difficult to bring a car, travelers must carry their own cooking supplies, devices, and linens.

Your housing may be located close to the medical facilities, but is it safe? Do basic research regarding the neighborhood where you’re going to live before accepting any travel nursing job.

Housing Stipend Considerations

A housing stipend is a certain amount of money built into your contract to cover the cost of accommodation while you’re on assignment. This can include funds for accommodation, transportation, and food. The stipend is provided weekly through your paycheck and is based on a monthly rate. If you choose a monthly stipend, you will be responsible for your own accommodation and utilities.

A few travel nurses will sell their homes, store their belongings, and travel without a “home” where they can pay rent or a mortgage. In this case, any funds raised for housing will be taxed at the standard rate. You can collect any money granted for accommodation without paying taxes if you have a tax home established wherever you are from. This can make a big difference in your take-home money, especially if you can locate affordable lodging wherever you go.

Simply defined, your tax home is where you earn the majority of your nursing income. For many travel nurses, their tax home is their permanent address, which is the address on their driver’s license.

You may be asking why the GSA refers to it as “Per Diem,” but we refer to it as a “stipend.” The Latin term “per diem” means “per day.” The GSA gives lodging charges as daily figures. For example, the current Per Diem lodging rate in Sacramento, CA is $145 per day. A “stipend,” on the other hand, is a “set recurring sum received as a wage or allowance.” Because most agencies pay their lodging reimbursements in lump sums, this term is better suited to the travel healthcare sector. They usually pay them on a weekly or bimonthly basis. Furthermore, most agencies quote their housing reimbursements as a monthly amount. Also, adopting the term stipend avoids the ambiguity caused by the healthcare industry’s usage of the term “per diem” to refer to daily or on-call staffing.

If they spend their whole stipend on accommodation and only take home $25 after taxes and insurance, the majority of travel nurses would be unable to cover their complete expenses at home and while on assignment. As a result, while assessing whether or not a pay package will fit your budget, you must consider the entire package.

Most recruiters will structure their pay packages to maximize pay while staying under particular taxable ranges. This means that while the housing stipend may appear to be generous, you may be earning a lesser hourly wage (imagine $25 per hour).

For travel nurse lodging, there is no defined stipend amount. While housing stipends vary per agency, each must adhere to the Government Services Administration’s guidelines (GSA). Furthermore, the amount granted for travel nurse lodging is determined by the following factors:

• The assignment’s location.
• Season of the year.

The pay for housing for a travel nurse is determined by the next three factors:

Assignment location Due to the higher cost of living in some areas of the country, travel assignments in those areas pay higher stipends. Living expenses in larger cities, such as New York City, San Francisco, or Los Angeles, are likely to be more than in a tiny town in Missouri or Iowa, for example. As a result, the GSA stipend maximum will very certainly be higher in such places.

Time of the year Let’s say you’ve always wanted to work in Florida during the winter. Because of the increased winter population in the state, the GSA may increase the stipend limit for the winter months to account for rising living costs and a lack of affordable homes at that time of year.

Type of housing Naturally, a travel nurse who chooses to live in a two-bedroom apartment will pay significantly more per month for accommodation than a nurse who decides to live in an Airbnb studio.

Housing Tips

Packing tips, important documents, electronics, personal items, first-aid kit, household items, pet supplies, independent housing tips, if it looks too good to be true, it is, research your potential landlord online.

• Use your instincts; they’re generally correct.
• Verify that the visuals correspond to the price. ­
• It’s almost certainly a con if the photographs are stunning, yet the rent is ridiculously low.
• Never send money to anyone. Scammers are online bullies who prey on stranded tourists.

Vacation rentals yield good results

Extended hotel stay is an option, housing faqs.

Yes, if you accept agency-provided housing and do not request any upgrades. The answer is also yes if you take the housing allowance and find anything within that budget. You’ll have to spend more if you want luxuries like two bedrooms, a vacuum, or a washer/dryer in the housing. Similarly, if you can’t find what you want for the stipend amount, you may have to pay for it yourself.

Most agencies cover the cost of utilities (gas, electricity, and water) up to a certain point; you might have to pay extra if going past an amount. Cable and internet are normally paid for by travel nurses, though some companies may reimburse them, especially in cases of short-term stays.

For the most part, the agency will supply the following:

• Queen-size bed, one-night stand, one dresser, and a lamp in the bedroom
• Dining area: Four chairs at a small kitchen table
• Couch, chair, end table, coffee table, lamp, and TV stand in the living room Dishes, linens, a television, mattress, and a vacuum cleaner are all considered extras that will increase the cost. A washer/dryer and even a microwave are not often included in the usual package. Some of these items are negotiable.

If you ask, the housing team on most staffing firms will give you two to three housing choices if they have more than one. You’ll hear the disclaimer that just because you put in a request doesn’t mean it’ll be fulfilled.

The amount of the housing stipend is defined by the contract, the city, and how the specific agency divides its compensation package. As a result, each travel nursing assignment may pay you a different amount.

Most of the time, no. On the other hand, you may be forced to share a room with another nurse or take a lesser income in return for a private room because of short-term assignments. This is something you should be aware of before applying for the job.

Yes! It’s something you’ll want to talk about with your recruiter right away. They’ll have to look for pet-friendly homes, and you’ll almost certainly be required to pay a pet deposit.

This does, unfortunately, happen in agency-placed housing. Contact your recruiter right away, and they’ll most likely solve the situation if it’s genuinely bad. It is recommended doing your homework before leaving on an assignment as it will help you avoid unpleasant housing surprises.

It could be any of the aforementioned, as well as a hotel. If your assignment takes you to a big city, you’ll most likely be living in an apartment complex. However, in smaller places with fewer alternatives, there is greater diversity in where you may be placed.

Contact your staffing agency and the landlord immediately. The agency should offer to put you up in a hotel overnight if it’s not solved. Usually, issues are more minor than this, if they happen at all.

On a case-by-case basis, this will be decided. Travel nurses tend to face pushback if their organization is locked into a lease that they can’t get out of. They should, however, address the issue if the home is in dire need of repair. However, if it’s just because you changed your mind because of personal preferences, relocating at the last minute can be challenging.

Taking the housing stipend carries a significant risk of having your contract terminated. If your contract is canceled, the hospital will usually notify your recruiter, who will then notify you. This tends to happen rapidly and with little warning. In rare situations, though, the hospital would give you two weeks’ notice before ending your contract, leaving you and your travel nursing recruiter time to find another assignment and agency-placed housing.

Finding Housing for Travel Nurses: Agency vs. Stipend

Housing can make or break your assignment experience. To help you decide which travel nurse housing works best for your lifestyle, here’s a comparative look at the two most common options: Agency-placed nurse housing and paying your housing stipend.

Other Travel Nurse Housing Options

As a traveling clinician, you have plenty of housing alternatives. Here are other common housing options you may consider.

There are dedicated online housing platforms for travel nurse lodging. If you aren’t familiar with them, some popular travel nurse housing websites are:

Airbnb – https://www.airbnb.com/ Furnished Finder – https://www.furnishedfinder.com/ VRBO – https://www.vrbo.com/ Hotel Engine – https://members.hotelengine.com/join/stabilityhc Kopa – https://www.kopa.co/kopa-for-good Snap Stays – https://snapstays.com/?utm_source=jpnursebd

Transplant Housing: https://www.transplanthousing.com/find

We also recommend healthcare professionals always include at monthly or longer stay bookings in their housing search as the prices are typically reduced due to the length of stay.

Staying at extended-stay hotels can be a terrific option for travel nurses when they are looking for convenience compared to short-term rentals.

Living with your friends or family is always an option. You can spend quality time with them and save some money. If those sound good to you, then this is a great option to consider.

To help you choose the best travel nurse housing option that fits your priorities, here are some questions you should ask yourself before finalizing your decision.

Travel Nurse Housing Tips

Whether you are an experienced travel nurse or just about to begin your first travel nurse assignment, finding housing may feel overwhelming. So we curated some tried-and-proven tips to help lessen the burden of finding the right accommodation and preparing for your next move.

The amount of items you need to pack will greatly depend on your housing arrangement. But for any assignment, these basic necessities should be in your packing list.

Store them in one secure container to avoid the hassle of transporting them from great distances or paying for replacements.

Make sure you have enough supplies to last you through the first few days. Be extra careful in packing liquids to avoid spills in your luggage.

It’s hard to survive our modern world without our devices. So be sure to pack your phone, tablet, laptop, etc. and their corresponding chargers and adaptors.

Even if you’re a seasoned travel nurse, it’s helpful to have a few items that remind you of your loved ones with you.

Having a first aid kit hand when you’re not at work is important. See here for recommended list.

Bring work clothes (e.g. scrubs) that fit your prospective employer’s criteria. Pro tip: check the average temperature inside and outside of your work location to pack accordingly.

The amount and type of household items you’ll need to bring is determined by the level of furnishing offered by your landlord or by the property owner.

Bring medications and a file (on paper or digital) with your pet’s health certificates and medical history, and contact information for the veterinarian who last treated them.

Finding a place that fits your stipend may appear daunting at first, but you have several resources at your disposal to make the process go smoothly and potentially save on housing costs. Consider the following before signing any documents:

On Craigslist, you can find a variety of housing options and alternatives, but they come at a price. You can’t believe everything you see on Craigslist. Someone will post a too-good-to-be-true Craigslist affordable housing offer, and you need to ask yourself whether it’s real or not. Thankfully, if you are part of a travel healthcare worker community, you can ask your fellow travelers about it and get great advice . Always do a background check on any place before saying yes to any offer.

And do background checks on your landlord as well.

Remember these three rules when dealing with potential landlords through email:

Websites that specialize in vacation rentals are a fantastic place to start. HomeAway, VRBO, and Airbnb are three of the most popular. Although they might not be specific sites for travel nurses and travel healthcare professionals, they offer some excellent housing possibilities and, for the most part, keep scammers at bay. Simply enter a location or state, and you’ll be able to see a large number of vacation rentals. You’ll need to filter out the houses that don’t make sense for you, just like any other site.

Travel nurses frequently use extended-stay hotels as a bridge between standard accommodation and as a housing alternative in and of itself. It’s a popular option for some travelers because of their wide range of services , such as breakfast, housekeeping, fitness facilities, and laundry facilities. Most hotels accept animals weighing up to 60 pounds. In addition, the majority of these hotels include kitchens, which can help you save money on food when traveling and give you a sense of home while you’re away on business. In addition, compared to an apartment, hotels offer more flexibility on the back end in the event that your job is unexpectedly canceled.

Travel Nurse Housing FAQs

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Is Agency-Provided Housing or a Housing Stipend Best for Travel Nurses?

Navigating housing options can be one of the more challenging aspects of travel nursing, particularly for those new to the field. While many advise first-time travelers to opt for agency-provided housing for its simplicity, it's not the only path. It's crucial for nurses to make a housing choice that best suits their needs. In this guide, we'll demystify the choice between agency-provided housing and a travel nurse housing stipend, helping you make an informed decision.

Do Travel Nurses Get Free Housing?

Technically, no. You can either choose between agency-provided housing or a travel nurse housing stipend. Either way, you’re paying for housing. Even when an agency promotes “free housing” it just means they will deduct that amount from your total pay. Let’s break down what a travel nurse housing stipend is so you can decide which option is best for you.

What is a Travel Nurse Housing Stipend

Most agencies offer travel nurses a housing stipend to cover their housing while on assignment. This is calculated as part of your compensation package. If you choose to take agency-provided housing, you won’t get a housing stipend.

Stipends, like bill rates (the total amount a hospital and agency agree upon), will depend on the region, facility, nursing specialty, and demand. Your travel nurse housing stipend may be offered in the form of a weekly or monthly amount.

Most travel agencies like Advantis Medical Staffing provide a “break-down” of your pay which lists out line-by-line your compensation package. (If your recruiter doesn’t provide this up front, ask for it).

The Benefit of a Housing Stipend

Keep in mind that, unlike your hourly pay, your travel nurse housing stipend is not taxed. Some nurses balk at a low hourly rate but fail to take into account a sizable stipend. You need to consider your entire pay package , that is, the hourly base rate, housing stipend, meals and incidentals (M&I), and any benefits you opt for (health insurance, etc.) to determine if the package is best for you.

Let’s try an example. You receive a $2,500 monthly travel nurse housing stipend which you will receive weekly, $625. With a stipend, you have the option of choosing cheaper housing, which will increase your weekly take-home pay. If you secure housing for $2,200 per month, you pocket an extra $300 per month for expenses.

Agency-provided housing takes this variable out of the equation.  

Qualifying for a Travel Nurse Housing Stipend

Not every nurse is eligible for a housing stipend. This is where it can get confusing and nurses can get themselves into (tax) trouble. A travel nurse housing stipend is only applicable when you have a tax home , are traveling away from that tax home for work, and are incurring housing expenses while away from your tax home.

In other words, the travel nurse housing stipend is based on your duplicating expenses. It is not meant to be 100% profit and is illegal to accept if you are not using it for its intended purpose. If you aren’t sure if you qualify for a travel nurse housing stipend, discuss it further with your recruiter or a tax professional.  

Travel Nurse Housing Options: Simplifying Your Search

Selecting the right travel nurse housing options can be a pivotal part of your journey, balancing comfort, convenience, and cost. For those leaning towards furnished travel nurse housing, the allure is undeniable. These ready-to-live-in spaces offer the ultimate convenience, freeing you from the burdens of moving furniture or household items. Whether it's an apartment or a private home, having a place that feels like home from day one is invaluable, especially after long shifts at the hospital.

For travel nurses eyeing monthly furnished rentals, the appeal lies in flexibility and the taste of local living. These accommodations not only cater to your need for a comfortable living space but also offer the freedom to explore different neighborhoods or housing styles. Plus, with the strategic use of housing stipends, you can manage housing costs effectively, making these options both practical and financially savvy. Whether you're drawn to the simplicity of agency-provided housing or the autonomy of choosing your own space, understanding your housing options is key to a fulfilling travel nursing experience.

The Benefit of Agency-Provided Housing

Some nurses enjoy not having to worry about the housing aspect and let their agency’s housing department secure a short-term rental. These are often apartment complexes or extended-stay hotels.  

Housing can be very hard to find in rural areas or ridiculously expensive in cities. Agency-provided housing takes the hassle out of searching with better rates. The largest benefit to agency-provided housing is that you are protected in the event your assignment gets canceled. This happens from time to time.  

On the other hand, agency housing options may seem modest. While you’ll have the essential basics like furniture, linens, and dishes, they don’t usually cover utilities, tv, or internet, so those are on you to connect and pay for.

How do Travel Nurses Find Housing

If you’ve decided the housing stipend is the route for you, you’re now responsible for finding and securing your new temporary home. It can seem daunting and time-consuming, but it's also fun choosing a home-away-from-home. Travel nurse housing can be booked online or offline. These are the resources travel nurses use most to locate housing: ‍

1. Furnished Finder

This website is dedicated to travel nurses and other traveling professionals . The property owners understand most contracts are around 3 months in length and require a minimum of a 30-day stay. These aren’t for quick weekend trips. There is a mix of apartments, hotels, private rooms, and entire houses for rent. You can search for your specific area and budget and communicate directly with the property owner.

Pros: Choosing your living arrangement on a site that is trusted by nurses. Utilities, internet, and laundry are usually included. You can often live in style in rustic cabins, a contemporary city apartment, or with luxurious amenities like resort-style pools.

Cons: Scams happen on occasion. Travelers can request an Owner Verification Request which will provide a report of the owner’s name and property details. If your assignment gets canceled, it's up to you and the owner to work it out. Usually, a 30-day notice is required.

Most people are familiar with or have utilized Airbnb for vacations. I’ve used AirBnB myself for travel assignments and booked private rooms, garage lofts, condos, and entire mountain houses. I’m lucky I’ve never had a poor experience and only excellent hosts. Hosts will often agree to a lower monthly rate if you contact them directly and tell them your situation (don’t ever tell them how much you make!) They can send you a private rate through messaging.  

Pros: Choosing housing you will feel comfortable in and treating your travel assignment like an adventure. All utilities should be included (always read the description and reviews or ask).

Cons: Cost. Airbnb’s fees have skyrocketed and made many housing situations unaffordable. Again, contact the host directly and negotiate a rate that works for both of you.  

3. Extended-Stay Hotels

Certain hotels offer discounted weekly rates to travel nurses. Call and ask to speak to the hotel manager. They often offer reduced rates since a room booked for weeks is better than an empty one. I recommend opting for a room with a kitchenette unless you prefer Chinese take-out and sandwiches for 3 months.

Pros: Free breakfast, housekeeping services, free Wi-Fi, and amenities like pools and fitness centers. You may also feel safer with a 24/7 front desk receptionist and doors only accessible with key cards.

Cons: Costs can still sometimes be just as expensive if not more than apartments or Airbnb. Living in basically one room for months may make you a little crazy.  

4. Facebook Groups

When in doubt, turn to the pros. Travel nurse Facebook groups often share reputable housing as well as areas to stay away from. Search Facebook for “Travel Nursing Housing” and you’ll find multiple options with thousands of members sharing recommendations.

Pros: Insider knowledge on safe cities, legitimate hosts, hotel discount codes, as well as scams to be wary of.

Cons: Some property owners may still post scams that haven’t been validated. Never send anyone money directly through Facebook.  

How to Get Travel Nurse Housing Support

Advantis Medical is pleased to offer our travelers discounted hotel rates through our partners: Extended Stay America, Wyndham, Traveler’s Haven, Hotel Engine and more! We offer a concierge type service for our clinicians where we help them at the beginning, middle and end of the housing process. We send our clinicians a housing form they fill out with all their preferences/stipend/budget. From there, we work with our partners and resources to find the safest most affordable housing for our clinicians. We will even book housing for them if that is a service they would like. We also have a special discount code with Enterprise Rent-a-Car if that is a mode of transportation our travelers are interested in!

The recruiters at Advantis Medical Staffing will be more than happy to help you find housing to ensure that your travel assignment is as pleasant and comfortable as possible. Sign up on Advantis Connect to join the Advantis Medical clinicians team and find unforgettable travel nurse assignments.  

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The Ultimate Guide to Travel Nurse Housing & Resources

We do Travel Nurse Housing Differently.

Take the per diem. leave the roadblocks to us..

This guide covers a lot of information. Use these links to find what you’re looking for faster.

• Meet TNAA’s Housing Department  — Learn about our travel nurse housing resources and the benefits of having our specialists help you through the process.
• Temporary Hotel Stays — Housing plans changed? See how we can arrange a short-term hotel stay for you.
• Financial Assistance — See how we can help with move-in costs. Even if you live the RV life.
• Hello Landing Partnership — Hello Landing is a full-service housing option with locations in more than 375+ cities!
• Travelers Haven Partnership — This partnership offers a solution for pesky credit checks. Plus, it offers utilities and rent all in 1 payment.
• Apartment Leads Service — Made for those who still want to do it themselves, just with a list of TNAA-approved properties.
• Can I Get a Furnished Apartment? — Will “furnished” mean the “whole nine yards”?
• Can I Bring Family Members? — Certainly! Be sure to notify your agency upfront.
• Can I Bring My Pet? — That depends on the pet. Most dogs and cats are OK! Your pet llama may not be so easy to accommodate.
• TNAA Housing Reviews — Hear from veteran travel nurses who have used our housing options.

Veteran travelers will tell you to take the per diem and find your own housing. By finding your own housing option that is cheaper than the per diem amount, you pocket the most money. So, do you find your own housing or let your agency do it? The answer seems obvious, but at TNAA, we do things differently because we believe our nurses deserve more.

Meet TNAA’s Housing Department

TNAA’s housing specialists are here to help solve your allied & travel nurse housing problems: cost issues, credit issues, and time constraints. If you want to find your own housing so you can make the most of your tax-free per diem, you can! And we’ll still help you. If you choose not to have our specialist assist in finding your housing, you still have access to programs designed to:

• Simplify the Process
• Protect Your Financial Health
• Prioritize Your Safety

Travel Nurse Housing Tip 1: Have a Backup Plan

You’ve probably heard it a million times, but it’s especially true in the ever-changing industry that is travel nursing: expect the unexpected. The very nature of your job requires you to analyze and react. When it comes to where you’re going to live, it’s crucial to have backup plans on your backup plans. Think about these scenarios:

• Change in Housing : Picture yourself driving to your new assignment, family in tow, when you receive a message that the apartment you secured is no longer available. What do you do?
• Unplanned Financial Need : We’ve all experienced a moment when your budget doesn’t quite pan out. Maybe you suddenly find yourself paying for tires you didn’t think you would need to purchase this month, or a dental emergency arises. Either way, when unexpected financial needs arise, money gets tight. Do you dip into your savings or put it on a credit card?
• Call Your Housing Specialist: When any issues in housing arise, we are here for you. If at any point you find you have lost your housing or something unexpected happened – whether you’re headed to your assignment or already there, your housing specialist is a helping hand.

Temporary Hotel Stays

Whether your housing changed last minute or you want to investigate your housing options before committing, we can assist you with a short-term hotel stay. Our partnerships with various hotel-booking platforms allow us to arrange a hotel stay for you for up to 2 weeks, with a payroll deduction option should you qualify — see details on payment assistance below or check with your recruiter.

Financial Assistance

Moving expenses are no joke. Think about all the costs associated with moving into your new digs: security deposits, cleaning fees, utility connection fees, first month’s rent, and more. Even if you’re living the full-time RV life, you may still need to put down 1 – 3 months’ rent upfront. Maybe you don’t have the cash readily available or will be living on a very tight budget once you pay those costs. We can help you. Financial assistance is available for qualified travelers. If you are eligible, a check will be sent directly to your landlord and then payroll deducted from your first four paychecks.  

Want to know if you qualify? Email or text your recruiter. Copy and paste the text below:

I’m interested in utilizing Financial Assistance for housing for my upcoming assignment. Can you put me in touch with my housing specialist?

Travel Nurse Housing Tip 2: Avoid Housing Stressors

There are multiple services offering housing options that keep you under your per diem. Services like VRBO, Airbnb, or Furnished Finders all provide excellent housing options. We even use them for our personal travels! However, just because you opted to “take the per diem” doesn’t mean you’re on your own. We created an innovative partnership that alleviates these housing stressors:

• Working With the Landlord : While most property owners are accommodating to travel nurses, it can be a stressor dealing with the details, from utilities to rent. Prepping for an assignment is almost a full-time job: physicals, drug testing, licensing. Working with the landlord is just one more thing to add on!
• Searching & Verifying : From browsing maps to reading reviews, apartment searching takes a lot of time. Then there’s verifying the accuracy of the information. While most short-term housing services have verification processes, other options like Craigslist or Facebook are significantly less regulated. Do you take the risk?

Sure, you can do it all on your own, but do you really want to? Maybe you’ve been locating and securing housing on your own for countless assignments, just know that there are options to make the process simple, convenient, and as safe as possible.

Hello Landing Partnership

With a presence in over 375 cities, Hello Landing provides comprehensive housing solutions that include setting up utilities and WiFi for a seamless transition to your new place. Hello Landing takes care of the nitty-gritty details, making your move hassle-free.

Travelers Haven Partnership

Through an innovative partnership, we offer apartments, privately-owned properties, and hotels in the most convenient way. With the guidance of your housing specialist (yes, you have one), Travelers Haven will locate and secure an apartment, rent, furniture, and set up utilities — rolling all these costs into one affordable payment. You read that right. But it gets even better. Your deposit is guaranteed, and most of the time, there is no credit check required.

Apartment Leads Service

Maybe all of these options sound great, but you still want to do it yourself. We get it. And we have a perk just for you do-it-yourselfers. Tell your recruiter or housing specialist you’d like a list of fully-vetted properties. Our specialists can offer recommendations on properties and vendors TNAA has used in the area where you’ll be traveling. All of the arrangements will be up to you, but we steer you toward traveler-friendly options.

Can I Get a Furnished Apartment?

Will “furnished” mean the “whole nine yards” or a couple of milk crates and an oscillating fan? By most standards, you should expect the following:

• Living Room: Sofa, Chair/Loveseat, Cocktail Table, End Table, Lamp, TV Stand
• Dining Room: Dining Table, 4 Dining Chairs
• Bedroom: Queen Bed Complete, Dresser with Mirror, Nightstand, Lamp
• Appliances: Microwave, Stove, Refrigerator, Washer, Dryer

Can I Bring Family Members?

Certainly! Most agencies are very supportive of a traveler’s desire to have their family with them. Keep in mind that there might be additional costs if you need a larger apartment and additional furniture. Your agency can look into other options for you and provide you with approximate costs to upgrade your apartment.

Can I Bring My Pet?

That depends on the pet. Most dogs and cats are OK! Your pet llama may not be so easy to accommodate. Most travel nurse agencies welcome pets with a few fairly standard restrictions. Among the most common that are not considered “travel-friendly” pets are Pit Bulls, Rottweilers (or any mixes of these breeds), and reptiles. Finding accommodations for larger pets can be difficult in some areas. Inquire with your agency to see if your pet will be a good fit for the areas that you are considering. The rule of thumb is: If your pet weighs more than 40 lbs. or you travel with two or more pets, your agency may have to do additional scouting to find a suitable location. In many cases, additional costs, such as pet deposits and pet rent, are the responsibility of the traveler. Be sure to ask.

TNAA Housing Reviews

“If I have a problem with housing, I know that they will look out for us. They’ve fielded property owners from us. They’ve dealt with landlords over our dog. On one assignment, the apartment we lived in started a construction project. And we worked nights. TNAA housing got us into a hotel immediately. Simply put, they take care of us.” — Ally 

“We have used both the leads program as well as Travelers Haven. Travelers Haven is nice because everything is taken care of, and you don’t have to worry about paying rent because it’s payroll deducted. With the leads program, TNAA Housing will help you to find places, but you are the one setting it all up. They can even help out with the down payments initially and take it out of your check once you start work.” — Zane

Helpful Tax Links

Need a Breakdown on how “Tax-Free Money for Travel Nurses” Works? 

Taxes are inherently complicated, and it’s always best to seek tax advice from certified tax professionals. However, we’ve compiled some basics you and your tax accountant should know for you to be eligible for non-taxed reimbursements (aka the tax-free money and/or the per diem).

• Start Here: Common Travel Tax FAQs
• Our CFO on Tax Compliance : How Staying in one Place can Make Reimbursements (aka your stipend) Taxable

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HOW DOES TRAVEL NURSE HOUSING WORK?

The biggest concern for most nurses considering travel jobs: where am i going to live our travel & housing faqs explain what travel nurse housing options are, who pays for it, and how the accommodations are arranged. find the answers to these questions and more in our faqs..

How Does Travel Nurse Housing Work?

The biggest concern for most nurses considering travel jobs: Where am I going to live? The Travel Nurse Academy explains what travel nurse housing options are, who pays for it, and how the accommodations are arranged. Find the answers to these questions and more in our FAQs. ‍

We have a different approach to Travel & Housing. While we love setting up company provided housing, we also want our nurses to enjoy the perks of the tax-free housing per diem – it is a huge financial advantage of traveling.

We realize finding short-term housing can be tricky, and we want to help in a way that fits your needs! Our dedicated Travel & Housing team is available to provide housing recommendations, set up housing, give exclusive hotel and rental car discounts, answer questions, and more. We believe you have more important things to worry about than housing, including improving lives at the hospital. Below are all the ways our team can help you feel confident about your housing situation regardless if you took company provided housing or the housing stipend.

Company Provided Housing

Sit back and allow our team to put all the work into booking housing! We will provide fully furnished accommodations for the entire length of your assignment – you only need to bring your clothes and any personal belongings.

Why take company provided housing?

• Saves you time in researching and setting up housing.
• Simplest way to take a travel contract – you can focus more of your efforts on patient care.
• Eliminates upfront costs for housing.

Per Diem Assistance Program

Where most companies limit Travel & Housing assistance to company provided housing, we extend help to all our nurses, including those taking the tax-free per diem. Our team will provide housing research, discounts, answer questions, and provide advice no matter where your assignment is.

Why utilize the Per Diem Assistance Program?

• Allows you to take full advantage of the financial benefit of the per diem without the burden of finding housing alone.
• Saves you time researching housing.
• Resource for questions you may have about the area, housing set up, etc.
• Access to exclusive discounts on many hotels around the country.

Temporary Company Provided Hotel

Do you want to take advantage of the per diem, but need company provided housing the first few weeks while you get settled in? Not a problem! We can provide housing at a local hotel while you find your preferred housing to utilize the stipend on for the remainder of your assignment.

Why take a temporary company provided hotel?

• Eliminates immediate upfront housing costs until you find something else further into your assignment.
• Allows you to get acclimated with the area and affords you the ability to physically visit housing before committing.

Company Provided Rental Cars and Flights

Need of a way of traveling to your assignment or around your location for the duration of the assignment? Our Travel & Housing Specialists are happy to book a round trip flight to get you to and from your assignment. A rental car can be provided for all or part of an assignment if ground transportation is needed while on assignment.

Why take company provided cars or flights?

• Hassle-free way of traveling to and from an assignment – our team will set everything up!
• Eliminates high upfront cost of purchasing means of transportation prior to assignment.
• Our car rentals are insured and covered for any potential damage – you don’t need to provide your own coverage.

How Much do Travel Nurses Get Paid for Housing?

Travel nurses who choose not to use the company-provided housing will receive a tax-free stipend to pay for their travel nurse housing, utilities, and furniture. The amount of the stipend is dependent on the length and location of the contract. Short-term contracts may pay more or less depending on the needs of the hospital as well as the time of the year. Hospital census and markets can fluctuate, which can also be a factor in determining how much a facility is willing to pay for travel nurses . The cost of living within a large city may be more expensive than in a rural area. Utilities and rent may be more costly in a downtown area versus living on the perimeter of a large city or small rural areas. It is essential to discuss travel nurse housing options and the stipend with our agency housing department so you can find the best fit for you.

How Much Do Traveling Nurses Pay for Housing?

Travel nurses pay different amounts for travel nurse housing based on many factors. As a travel nurse, one of the benefits of your contract may be a tax-free stipend for housing if you chose not to use the agency provided travel nurse housing. Some travel nurses may travel with their significant other, kids, or pets. These nurses may want a two-bedroom apartment versus a nurse traveling alone and only needing a one-bedroom apartment or condo. Assess your particular travel situation and consult with our agency housing department to find the best option for you and your travel needs.

4 Best Travel Nursing Places to Stay

One- or two-bedroom apartment- furnished vs. unfurnished Townhome- furnished vs unfurnished Long-Term Hotel- furnished Airbnb, VRBO house/apartment- furnished

Travel Nurse Agency Housing Department

Health Carousel Travel Nursing’s housing department will help the travel nurse taking the tax-free per diem by providing the travel nurse with housing research, discounts, answering questions, and advice no matter where the assignment is. Our housing department wants to help our nurses find the best option for them and their particular situation so the travel nurse can be successful and enjoy their assignment.

Staying with Friends or Family

Depending on the assignment, travel nurses may be able to stay with local friends or family. This arrangement would allow the travel nurse to take the tax-free stipend and save money while staying for a free or reduced cost with friends or family. The travel nurse would have the support system provided by those friends or family, which can be helpful in a new work and living environment. 

Things to Consider When Finding Your Own Travel Nurse Housing

If you are starting your first travel assignment, it might be wise to take agency-placed housing. Travel nursing is full of firsts: first time in a different hospital, first time traveling, and first time being away from friends and family, so taking the stress out of finding housing might make things a bit easier  However, some travel nurses like the freedom to find their own accommodations. Travel nursing is full of wonderful new opportunities and adventures just waiting for you to take advantage of them.

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Exploring Travel Nurse Housing Options

Where Do Travel Nurses Find Housing? Exploring Travel Nurse Housing Options

by Trusted Nurse Staffing | Jan 10, 2024 | Featured , News

Note: Trusted Nurse Staffing does not offer travel nurse accommodations. This content is for research purposes only.

If you’re hitting the road as a traveling nurse, you have a million and one things on your mind:

• Choosing where you will go for your next assignment.
• Figuring out your travel arrangements.
• Deciding where you will live.

You have so many balls in the air that you may be worried  one of the most important balls might slip: housing. 

Finding housing as a travel nurse can be intimidating and downright overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be.

In this article, we will discuss how to find travel nurse housing while exploring travel nurse housing options.

Table of Contents

How do traveling nurses find housing, how much do traveling nurses get for housing, how much do traveling nurses pay for housing, 4 popular travel nursing housing options, how trusted nurse staffing can help you secure travel nurse housing.

Traveling nurses can find housing in a number of ways, including:

• Utilizing a travel nurse housing website 
• Choosing to live in travel nurse agency housing 
• Getting temporary, furnished housing such as an Airbnb or extended-stay hotel; or 
• Staying with friends or family 

The important thing to remember is that you’re not alone in your travel nurse journey. A Trusted Nurse Staffing recruiter can help you navigate housing after you find your dream travel nurse assignment through Pronto. 

Through Trusted Nurse Staffing and Pronto , you’ll be able to:

• Connect with other nurses to share housing with
• Choose from company housing options 
• Receive stipends to cover housing, meals, and travel
• Select from a variety of flexible contracts

There is no set stipend amount for travel nurse lodging.

While housing stipends differ between agencies, each agency must work within limits set by the Government Services Administration (GSA).

Additionally, the amount allotted for travel nurse housing is dependent upon:

• Location of the assignment; and
• Time of year 

The GSA refers to these lodging rates as “per diem”, while travel nurse agencies refer to them as stipends. This is because the rates listed by the GSA are daily figures and travel nurse agencies convert them into monthly or weekly figures. 

The rates are set at the beginning of each fiscal year and become effective on the first of October. You can find the per diem rate for anywhere in the U.S. by searching with a city, state, or zip code here . 

The amount a travel nurse will pay for housing will depend on several factors:

• The location of their assignment: Assignments in some parts of the country pay more in stipends due to the elevated cost of living in the area. For example, the costs to live in a larger city such as New York City or Los Angeles are likely to be higher than the living expenses in a small town in Missouri or Iowa. Therefore, the GSA stipend limit is most likely going to be higher in those areas. 
• The time of year: Let’s say you have dreamed of taking a winter assignment in Florida. Due to the increased winter population in the state, the GSA may raise the stipend limit for the winter months in order to accommodate the increase in the cost of living and the scarcity of available housing during that time of the year.
• The type of housing they select.  Of course, a travel nurse staying in a two-bedroom apartment is going to pay considerably more for monthly housing than a nurse who chooses to reside in an Airbnb studio. 

As a traveling nurse, your options for housing are endless, but it’s all about finding the right travel nurse housing option for you.

Here are a few of the more common options you can consider when determining how to find housing as a travel nurse.

Nurse Housing Option #1: Travel Nurse Housing Sites

Did you know that there are websites solely devoted to finding lodging for travel nurses?

They know just what you are looking for:

• Fully furnished
• Close to hospitals
• Short-term leasing options

Some traveling nurse housing sites even have a stipend calculator , so you can easily compare the housing costs in any city you may be considering for relocation. 

You simply enter a city and state and the calculator provides you with a breakdown of the average rental prices for all the available housing options in your chosen area. 

You will be able to view comparisons of the differences between a whole unit vs. a private room, and can easily find which accommodations offer additional perks, such as being pet-friendly or including the cost of utilities in the monthly rental price.

Just type a quick search for “furnished housing travel nurse” to start your housing search on a travel nurse housing site. 

Nurse Housing Option #2: Travel Nursing Agency Housing Department

Some travel nursing agencies have an internal housing department specifically dedicated to helping their clients secure travel nurse housing.

The travel nursing agency housing department will be able to assist you in finding travel nurse apartments or homes that offer a short-term lease. 

These agencies may also be able to assist by:

• Renting a furniture package 
• Paying your utilities; or  
• Helping you acquire necessary housewares, such as dishes and linens

If you are a first-time travel nurse, you may want to consider going with agency-placed nurse housing for your first travel nursing assignment.  

Allowing the agency to secure your housing on your first go-around will give you one less thing to think about as you adjust to your new lifestyle. Once you are in the swing of travel nursing, you will have a better idea of exactly what you are looking for when it comes to travel nurse lodging.

With Pronto, you can manage every aspect of your travel nursing contract. From choosing your destination and assignment to connecting with housing options, Pronto makes it easy for travel nurses to find the right assignment and travel nurse housing option for them. 

Have a question or need assistance? 

No worries. Just because Pronto makes it easy to captain your travel nursing journey on your own does not mean that you are alone . Our travel nurse professionals offer around-the-clock support to help keep your travel nursing experience nothing but smooth sailing.

Nurse Housing Option #3: Temporary Furnished Housing: Travel Nurse

Some travel nurses may find it is easiest to secure furnished nurse housing.

While this may look a bit different from agency to agency, typically, “furnished” means that you will be provided with the following:

• Bedroom – queen size bed, dresser, nightstand, and lamp
• Dining room – kitchen table and four chairs
• Living room – sofa, end table, coffee table, chair or loveseat, lamp, TV stand 

You may also select extras, such as:

• Cleaning supplies; and
• Kitchen and home appliances 

If you decide to opt for the furnished housing route, below are some of the options you can choose from.  

Airbnb (Air Bed and Breakfast) is an online marketplace whose purpose is to connect people who want to rent their homes (or a part of their homes) with people who need to find accommodations in that area.  

Airbnbs can be found in more than 81,000 cities and over 191 countries around the world and can be the ideal option for travel nurse housing. 

Want to live next to a park or biking trail? No problem. Would you feel more at home in an actual house as opposed to an apartment? Easy. Airbnb has a wide variety of housing options, so you will be sure to find accommodations that are perfect for you. 

Since Airbnbs are typically rented on a per-night basis, many homeowners are thrilled to rent to a professional who is willing to commit to a three-month contract, so be sure to ask for a discounted rate for your stay. 

Extended-Stay Hotels

You may not have considered an extended-stay hotel, but they can be a great travel nurse housing option.

Extended-stay hotels may even be considered one of the more ideal travel nurse housing options for nurses who are seeking shorter contracts. As opposed to leases, extended-stay hotels charge weekly or monthly and the process is much easier than signing lease after lease. 

Hotels also come with extra amenities you would not get with other options, such as:

• Free continental breakfast
• Fully-equipped kitchens or kitchenettes
• Bed and kitchen linens
• Swimming pool/hot tub
• Workout facilities
• Fun, scheduled activities for guests

Let’s not forget that when you stay at an extended-stay hotel, you don’t have to worry about cleaning. Most extended-stay hotels will provide turn-down service every several days, or sooner for a small fee.

Be sure to check in with your nursing recruiter to see if they have a list of hotels in the area that offer discounts to traveling nurses. 

Transplant Housing

For years, Transplant Housing has dedicated their time and resources to helping healthcare professionals, such as travel nurses, find fully furnished and affordable housing. 

With over 10,000 monthly users, Transplant Housing offers rental properties all across the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska. 

If you don’t see a property nearby, Transplant Housing will contact prospective property owners to specifically help you find a property in your chosen city/state that meets your requirements. 

Transplant Housing has fully furnished housing options in popular travel nursing cities, such as:

• San Francisco, CA
• San Diego, CA
• Nashville, TN
• Seattle, WA
• Atlanta, GA
• Chicago, IL

Furnished Finder

Furnished Finder is a website created exclusively for finding furnished lodging for traveling healthcare professionals.

All of their properties, which number about 40,000 rentals, rent by the month, which is perfect for the traveling nurse.

Property owners who list accommodations on Furnished Finder cater specifically to traveling healthcare workers, so they have a good grasp of the needs and demands of the job. 

Plus, you will be able to sleep soundly at night knowing that every Furnished Finder host is required to pass a background check before their listing is live on the Furnished Finder housing platform. 

You can search for affordable housing through Furnished Finder by date and budget, making it easy to find a rental within your stipend budget. You can also book directly without incurring any fees.  

Nurse Housing Option #4: Staying With Friends or Family 

And finally, there is always the option of staying with friends or family during your travel nursing assignment.

• Would you like to spend time with that favorite niece or nephew?
• What about staying with your favorite college roommate who just moved to that city you have always wanted to explore?
• Maybe your parents just retired to a luxury condo on a sparkling Florida beach.

Spending your assignment in the home of your family or friends may be the perfect choice for you. 

Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare industry, so it only makes sense that they get all of the necessary support. 

At Trusted Nurse Staffing , our goal is to help travel nurses have the easiest time doing what they do best while having an experience that is more than worthwhile. 

Along with being one of the highest-paying travel nurse agencies, we also offer the best benefits with five-star service and support. 

While Pronto makes it easy to search and find your dream travel nursing assignment, you will still have access to a recruiter 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can reach out anytime you have questions about your housing, benefits, or assignment. 

Trusted Nurse Staffing is eager to help, whether you are in search of:

• A studio downtown
• A quaint little bungalow 
• A bare-bones hotel room; or
• A basement apartment

Whatever you are looking for, we will help you find your dream housing to match your dream assignment. Simply sign up on Pronto to begin your journey today. 

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Should You Take Travel Nurse Agency Housing or Find Your Own?

Travel nurse housing is one of the more difficult aspects of travel nursing. Travel nursing companies typically give travel nurses a choice between company provided housing or a lodging reimbursement. In this article, we’ll cover all the issues travel nurses need to consider when they decide between finding their own travel nurse housing or taking the company’s housing instead.

First, this article does not cover how to find your own travel nurse housing or how to manage agency housing. Please select one of the links below to discover more about those topics.

• How to Find Your Own Travel Nurse Housing
• The Ultimate Guide to Travel Nurse Agency Housing

That said, you’ll want to review this article first. This article will help you make the right decision between agency housing and finding your own. Below is a table of contents. Select a link to jump to the topic.

Do Travel Nurses Get Free Housing?

Reasons to find your own travel nurse housing.

• How Much Money can You Save by Finding Your Own Housing?

What Type of Housing do Travel Nursing Companies Provide?

Do travel nursing companies provide housing for your family and pets, what types of housing can travel nurses find on their own, covering the cost of travel nurse housing, how much time does it take to find travel nurse housing, what are the risks of securing your own travel nurse housing.

• Examples of How to Calculate Savings

Many travel nursing companies advertise that they provide free housing. However, the housing isn’t actually free. It does of course cost money. In fact, companies will pay that money to the travel nurse if the travel nurse chooses not to take the company’s housing. Companies commonly refer to the payment as a “housing reimbursement”, “lodging reimbursement”, “lodging stipend” or “housing stipend”.

Moreover, it’s fair to say that in many cases travel nurse pay packages are built around the cost of housing. All else being equal, the higher the cost of housing, the lower the pay and vice versa. Additionally, if the actual cost of housing exceeds the budget the company set aside to cover the estimated cost of housing, then many companies will reduce the travel nurse’s pay to cover the additional cost .

Find your next travel healthcare job on BluePipes!

Further still, if you’re an itinerant travel nurse who does not qualify for tax-free reimbursements, then many companies will increase your hourly rate with the money they would otherwise use for housing.

Also, not every company offers to provide travel nurse housing. Instead, these companies only offer the lodging reimbursement.

Therefore, travel nurse housing is a service that agencies provide for a price. This is an important distinction. Ultimately, it gives travel nurses a choice that can have substantial ramifications for both finances and lifestyle. In fact, housing is the single largest expense most people incur.

You might be wondering why you should even consider finding your own travel nurse housing. After all, most travel nursing companies are willing to find it and pay for it so you don’t have to. Well, industry insiders commonly tout two primary reasons you might want to secure your own travel nurse housing.

Potential for More Choices if You Find Your Own Travel Nurse Housing

First, they argue that you will have more flexibility if you secure your own housing. Simply put, you have the freedom to choose any housing option you want when you secure your own. This is true for the most part.

However, when it comes to traditional apartment rentals, it might be more difficult and expensive for you to secure these properties than it is for the agency. We discuss this issue further below.

On the flip side, if you take company housing, then your choices are confined to the agency’s offerings. Different agencies offer different options. In most cases. agencies stick with traditional apartment rentals or Extended Stay Hotels . Moreover, many agencies do not offer much in the way of choice. Instead, you take what they have available at the time.

That said, some companies do indeed provide flexible housing options. In rare cases, you may find agencies that are willing to explore all housing options, including Airbnb and shared-rentals.

Moreover, agencies sometimes have expertise with housing in certain areas. This can be an advantage. The agency might have established relationships with property managers and service providers like furniture services. As a result, the agency might receive price discounts.

Potential to Save Money if You Find Your Own Travel Nurse Housing

The second common argument for finding your own housing is that you could end up saving money by taking the reimbursement. For example, if you secure lodging that is less expensive than the company’s reimbursement, then you can pocket the difference.

There are additional scenarios in which you can save money when you secure your own lodging. We discuss many of those scenarios and provide examples in this article.

On the flip side, you may end up losing money if you secure your own housing in certain scenarios. For example, some of the largest travel nursing companies in the industry get really great deals on housing. You may end up spending more if you secure the same type of housing they offer. However, this is quite rare.

Now that we know why you might want to consider finding your own travel nurse housing, let’s take a look at the main factors to consider before you make the decision.

How Much Money can You Save by Finding Your Own Travel Nurse Housing?

Of course, money is one of the main factors for you to consider when you decide between company housing and the lodging reimbursement. Essentially, you want to decide if the money you will save by taking the lodging reimbursement is worth the risks and costs of securing your own housing.

Free: Universal Job Application and Credential Management for travelers.

The amount of money you can save if you secure your own housing depends primarily on two factors. The first factor is the type of housing you’re willing to accept. The second factor is your travel nursing agency’s approach to travel nurse housing and housing reimbursements.

These factors come together in many different ways. This makes it difficult to provide a straight answer on how much money you can save. It will depend on your unique circumstances.

We provide several highly detailed examples at the end of this article. However, we want to provide you with some insight early in the article so you have a general idea.

Depending on your unique circumstances, you might save as little as $0 to as much as $2,000 or more per month. That said, our experience indicates that most travel nurses save between $400 and $1,500 per month when they secure their own travel nurse housing.

What Type of Travel Nurse Housing Do You Want?

Next, it’s important to determine what type of housing you’re willing to utilize. This may be the most important factor to consider because your personal housing requirements affect nearly every other housing related factor.

Different agencies offer different housing options. Furnished apartments and “extended stay” hotels are the most common options agencies offer. However, some agencies also offer traditional hotels and motels. Others offer vacation rentals and even shared spaces.

Agencies typically offer extended-stays, hotels, and motels for contracts that are less than 10 weeks. In case you’re not familiar, extended-stay hotels come equipped with a kitchenette. Also, it is becoming increasingly common for agencies to offer options from Airbnb, VRBO and Furnished Finder for short-term contracts.

If you are traveling with family and/or pets, then you’ll be pleased to know that most travel nursing agencies do offer housing options to accommodate your loved ones. However, it’s important for travel nurses to remember that the cost of company housing does affect the pay package. Essentially, higher housing expenses will result in lower pay all else being equal.

It’s Important to Evaluate Company Housing Options As When Making Your Decision

In any case, it’s important to evaluate agency housing options on a case-by-case basis. Don’t make the mistake of maintaining a blanket housing policy with every agency you work with or even different assignments with the same agency.

Some agencies are flexible. They might present housing options until they find something you like. Other agencies are stringent. They might offer only one or two options.

Similarly, you might receive really good deals on agency housing in some cases and overpriced offers in others. Therefore, you may choose to take agency housing for some contracts and find your own for others.

Similarly, you might choose to work with only those agencies that provide housing options you desire. Of course, this will limit the number of agencies you can work with. It may also limit the travel nursing contracts you have access to.

When you opt to find your own travel nurse housing, then your options include every housing option that’s available in the given market. However, your time, cost and risk-exposure will vary greatly between options.

For example, let’s say you are open to any and all possible housing options. Perhaps you are even willing to rent a room from someone you find on CraigsList .

By comparison, let’s say you are only willing to accept a private, fully-furnished, one-bedroom apartment. Perhaps you also require a gated community with covered parking.

Each of these scenarios has vastly different ramifications. As a result, your level of flexibility with respect to housing should have a big impact on your choice to take company housing or secure your own.

As we will see, if you are more flexible, then finding your own housing becomes a much more attractive option. However, if you require a fully furnished apartment in a traditional apartment complex, then taking company housing becomes a much more attractive option.

You also need to consider the monetary costs. Moreover, you need to pay special attention to the upfront costs.

If you choose company housing, then the company will pay all the upfront costs including security deposits and first month’s rent. Typically, pet-deposits are the only upfront housing cost that agencies require travel nurses to cover.

If you secure your own travel nurse housing, then you need to pay all of the upfront costs. Additionally, you may need to pass a credit check in some cases.

Free eBook: How To Negotiate Travel Nursing Pay

Therefore, your options are limited to what you can qualify for and afford. Of course, costs vary depending on the type of housing.

Travel Nurse Housing Upfront Costs for Share-Rentals

For example, if you are willing to rent a room from someone, then the upfront costs should be quite low. In this case, you might avoid large cleaning deposits and the rent should be much less expensive. Also, you probably won’t need to pass a credit check.

Upfront Costs for Extended Stay

If you’re willing to utilize Extended Stay or Extended-Stay-type hotels, then you need to make sure that you can cover the cost until your first paycheck comes in. That’s because these hotels typically charge your debit or credit card on a weekly basis.

Meanwhile, the agency typically deposits your first paycheck on the second or third Friday of your contract. The date of deposit depends on whether or not the agency pays weekly or bi-weekly.

Upfront Costs for Apartment

If you’re only willing to stay in an apartment, then there are several financial considerations. First, you will most likely need to pass a credit check .

Second, you typically need to pay for the first month’s rent and the security deposit at a minimum. In addition, you’ll need to furnish the apartment which can be quite expensive.

Moreover, it’s important to note that short-term apartment leases typically command a premium. This is because landlords often raise rental prices for anything less than a 6-month lease .

It’s also important to note that “corporate housing” almost always costs to much for travel nurses to even consider. The average cost is $150 per day .

Upfront Costs for Vacation Rentals

Finally, it’s important to know that upfront costs vary for vacation rentals. First, different vacation rental services, like Airbnb and VRBO, have different payment policies.

Moreover, you will often negotiate special payment considerations with hosts on a case-by-case basis. We discuss these issues in detail in our article on how to find your travel nurse housing .

If you cannot finance any of these options or if you are not willing to utilize the options you can finance, then you should take company housing. Perhaps you can save enough money during your first few assignments to cover the upfront costs on future assignments.

Time is the next factor you should consider when you are deciding between getting your own travel nurse housing or taking the company’s housing. The time you spend will vary by location and the type of housing you’re willing to accept.

Time Involved with Company Provided Housing

If you take company provided housing, then you’ll spend very little time on housing. You might discuss housing options with your recruiter or a housing coordinator. Beyond that, you should spend no further time on housing.

Time Involved with Securing Your Own Housing

If you secure your own travel nurse housing, then you will most likely be on your own. However, some travel nursing companies do offer assistance. Nonetheless, there is no guarantee that the company helps you. Therefore, you should count on being fully responsible.

The more flexible you are, the less time it will take you to locate and secure housing that meets your needs. If you have rigid requirements, then you can end up spending a lot of time on housing. For example, you will quickly find that the vast majority of apartment complexes do not accept anything less than a 6-month lease.

Moreover, it takes longer to find housing in certain locations than others. For example, if you’re looking for a nice, affordable apartment in San Francisco, CA, then you should expect to spend a lot of time searching. The same is true for remote rural areas where lodging options are scarce.

Next, it’s extremely important to consider the risks involved with travel nurse housing. Risks include penalties for early termination of a lease, loss of deposit, liability for damages and more.

Risks if You Take Company Housing

If you take company housing, then the company will be responsible for the risks in the vast majority of cases. There are some scenarios in which the agency might try to hold you responsible. Here are some examples:

• The hospital cancels your contract with cause (poor attendance, refusal to follow protocols, etc).
• You cancel the contract to return home for a family emergency.
• You cancel the contract because you feel the assignment is so bad you can’t complete the contract.
• The property owner charges for property damage.

Obviously, we provided very different reasons for contract cancellations. In some cases, your agency will absorb the costs and in others they will attempt to hold you responsible.

In any case, it’s very difficult for companies to garnish wages to cover such expenses. Often times, companies are willing to absorb these costs, especially if you are a good worker and/or the charges are questionable. And sometimes, companies find that the legal costs of collecting the expenses are more than its’s worth.

The point is that there are many scenarios whereby travel nurses can avoid all housing related financial risks if they take company housing. Please check your travel nursing contract thoroughly to make sure you know about the housing risks beforehand.

Risks if You Secure Your Own Travel Nurse Housing

If you secure your own travel nurse housing, then you are fully responsible for the risks in ALL scenarios. And remember, leases are legally binding documents .

It’s also important to remember that exposure to these risks increases when you engage in travel nursing. This is because the nature of contract-work makes it less stable than permanent employment.

For example, your contract could get cancelled with or without cause. Also, your contract start-date could change for any number of reasons.

Moreover, you will often experience uncertainty as you transition from one contract to the next. Hospitals sometimes wait until the last second to offer contract extensions. Additionally, hospitals sometimes rescind contract extension offers.

Tired of filling out skills checklists? They’re free on BluePipes.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to mitigate these housing risks. For example, if you use Extended Stay Hotels, share rentals, or other unconventional housing options, then you may not be subject to leases. We provide additional tips in our article on finding your own travel nurse housing .

The Risk of Loss when You Take the Travel Nurse Housing Reimbursement?

Next, it’s important to note that there is another financial risk related to the lodging reimbursement itself. Specifically, if you take the housing reimbursement, then it’s much easier for the agency to withhold this money if you do not work.

We need a basic understanding of how travel nurse housing reimbursements work in order to understand this risk. First, travel nursing companies pay the lodging reimbursements on each paycheck.

However, like the rest of the tax-free reimbursements you receive, the lodging reimbursement is not a part of your wage as it pertains to certain legal issues. Instead, your “wage” is comprised of only your taxable hourly rate for certain legal issues.

For example, if you cancel a shift due to illness , then you would expect the agency not to pay your taxable hourly rate. However, in most cases, agencies will also withhold your tax-free reimbursements as well. Essentially, they treat them as hourly wages .

Perhaps more importantly, many travel nursing contracts allow hospitals to cancel a certain number of shifts per contract . In this case, many agencies will withhold both the taxable wage and the reimbursements when hospitals cancel shifts. Be sure to review your travel nursing contract thoroughly to see if such a clause is present.

However, if you take company provided housing, then it is much more difficult for the agency to withhold the value of the housing. In most cases, it won’t be legal for them to garnish your wages. They could withhold other reimbursements, but that’s uncommon.

As a result, if you take company provided housing, then you can end up saving the value of the housing in cases where you miss shifts or get cancelled. You’ll need to check with the agencies you work with to find out how they handle this scenario.

Examples of How Much Money You Can Save by Taking the Housing Reimbursement

Next, let’s take a look at some examples of how much you can save if you secure your own housing.

Different Companies have Different Housing Options

First, it’s important to note that different travel nursing companies handle housing in different ways. Some agencies try to match their lodging stipends to the cost of moderately priced housing in the specified area. Other agencies provide lodging stipends that are higher by comparison.

However, it’s not that one agency is necessarily offering more money than the other. Instead, the agency offering the lower lodging stipend could be offering a higher taxable wage.  You can view our articles on comparing travel nursing pay packages to get an idea of how this all works out.

Small and mid-sized companies tend to offer higher stipends and lower taxable wages. Larger companies tend to offer lower stipends and higher taxable wages.

The amount of money you can save by securing your own travel nurse housing will depend in part on how the agencies you work with handle the lodging reimbursement. If you are going to secure your own housing, then it’s best to work with agencies that offer the highest reimbursements.

However, you always want to make sure that your taxable wage is not so low that it raises a red flag for a tax audit. For more on these issues please review the articles below:

• Is It OK to Take $10 Per Hour as a Travel RN?
• Are There Red Flags for the IRS in Travel Nursing Pay?
• Everything You Need to Know About the Travel Nurse Housing Stipend

Now, let’s take a look at some examples!

Travel Nursing Company with Rigid Housing Option – Lower Reimbursement – Apartment

In our first example, the travel nursing company offers one very basic choice for housing. The agency will provide a furnished 1-bedroom apartment and pay for all the utilities. Or, they will provide a lodging reimbursement of $2,300 per month.

In this case, the amount of money you can save if you secure your own lodging depends strictly on the price of the lodging you’re willing to secure. For example, if you can find acceptable housing for $1,500 per month including utilities, then you will save $800 per month.

If you don’t think you can find acceptable housing for much less than $2,300 per month, then it won’t be worth it for you to secure your own housing.  Remember, you must account for the cost of utilities and other expenses when you calculate your potential savings.

Discover why travel nurses are calling us their “secret weapon”.

Large companies, like AMN Healthcare , who get volume discounts on apartments often take this approach. Therefore, if you’re only willing to accept a 1-bedroom apartment, then it’s often best to let them provide the housing. You may not be able to find a better deal on your own.

Travel Nursing Company with Rigid Housing Option – Lower Reimbursement – Extended Stay

In this next example, the company offers a similar basic choice. The company will provide you with an Extended Stay Hotel. Or, the company will provide you with a lodging reimbursement of $1,700 per month.

While this scenario is very similar to the one above, the difference is that the company is offering an Extended Stay instead of an apartment. Again, you can save money if you secure housing that is less expensive than the reimbursement. Unfortunately, you will save less because the reimbursement is lower.

However, you can sometimes get a better deal on an Extended Stay than the company receives. Given that the financial risks are far lower with Extended Stays, it’s worth a try.

You will need to contact the Extended Stays in the area of your contract, request to speak with the manager and let them know you will be there for 60-90 days. They sometimes offer very deep discounts for long term stays.

Companies that focus on “Rapid Response” assignments , like Fastaff , often take this approach to housing.

Travel Nursing Company with Rigid Housing Option – Higher Reimbursement

In this example, the company offers a slightly more complicated choice. Essentially, the company will provide a furnished 1-bedroom apartment that costs less than the reimbursement they are offering. If you choose to take their housing, then they will add the difference between the cost of their housing and the lodging reimbursement to your hourly pay rate.

As we discussed above, the gross value of the pay package does not change. Instead, money is shuffled from one category to another.

As with the other housing examples, you can save money in this scenario if you find housing that is cheaper than the apartment the company is offering. However, you will also save on taxes if you find your own housing.

Let’s take a look at an example. Let’s say the company offers a housing reimbursement of $3,500 per month. Additionally, they tell you that the value of their company housing is $2,500 per month.

If you take their housing, then they will add the equivalent of $1,000 per month to your taxable hourly pay rate. $1,000 is the difference between the cost of their housing ($2,500) and the housing reimbursement ($3,500).

As a result, you’ll pay taxes on $1,000 per month that you wouldn’t have paid if you took the housing reimbursement. This will cost you $250 per month at a modest 25% tax rate. Of course, your results will vary based on your tax rate.

If you find your own housing, then you’ll pocket the $250 that would otherwise go to taxes. Plus, you’ll save additional money if you find housing that costs less than $2,500 per month, which is what the agency is charging for their housing.

This can add up quickly. You can easily save $1,250 – $1,500 per month if you find your own travel nurse housing in this scenario.

Many small to mid-sized companies in the travel nursing industry use this approach to housing. Therefore, you will encounter it quite frequently. It’s the best-case scenario for travel nurses to save money on housing.

Travel Nursing Companies with Flexible Housing Options and Higher Reimbursements

In this example, the company offers you a host of housing options all of which cost less than the reimbursement they are offering. If you choose to take their housing, then they will add the difference between the cost of their housing and the lodging reimbursement to your hourly pay rate.

For example, they may be willing to provide anything between an Extended Stay and a posh townhouse. In very rare circumstances, they may even be willing to provide a share rental.

This scenario changes everything. Essentially, you won’t be able to save money by finding housing that is cheaper than the agency provides because they’re willing to provide anything you want. Therefore, you will only save the value of taxes if you find your own housing in this scenario.

Many small to mid-sized companies in the travel nursing industry use this approach to housing. Therefore, you will encounter it quite frequently. As we demonstrated above, you might pocket anywhere from $250 – $400 per month if you find your own housing in this scenario.

Why Do Different Companies Have Different Travel Nurse Housing Policies?

At this point, it’s totally understandable if you’re confused by all of the different travel nurse housing policies we’ve covered. You might be wondering why all the differences exist. Why can’t the industry simply settle on one policy?

That’s a very loaded question. We’ll provide a brief overview so you have a general idea of the issues at play. We’ll include links to relevant articles if you’d like to become an expert.

Wage Recharacterization and Travel Nurse Housing

“Wage Recharacterization” is one of the reasons that all these polices exist. “The IRS uses the term “Wage recharacterization” to describe employers improperly structuring “compensation so that the employee receives the same or a substantially similar amount whether or not the employee has incurred deductible business expenses related to the employer’s business.” That’s a mouthful!

Essentially, the IRS wants to make sure that employers are not misusing tax-free reimbursements by substituting them for what would otherwise be taxable income. Of course, “housing reimbursements” are tax-free.

Create your free Travel Healthcare Resume on BluePipes!

Meanwhile, different companies interpret the wage recharacterization rules in different ways . Hence all the different housing policies.

Larger travel nursing companies typically have investors, stock holders and auditors. Therefore, they typically adhere to stricter legal interpretations of the rules.

Smaller and mid-sized agencies typically don’t have as much oversight. Therefore, they have more freedom to adhere to less stringent interpretations of the rules.

Sometimes It’s Just Easier

Some companies choose ridged lodging policies simply because they’re easier for the company to manage. The ridge policy allows them to standardize their procurement of housing. Moreover, it’s easier for them to explain to their travel nurses.

Volume Discounts

Some companies choose ridged lodging policies because it’s the best way to get volume discounts. If they use the same services all the time, then they’ll do more volume with those services. If the travel nursing company passes those savings to their travel nurses, then they have a competitive advantage.

Better Service

Some companies choose their housing policies based largely on how they believe the policy affects service. For example, some companies believe that flexible housing policies are a better service for the traveler because it gives the traveler options.

The bottom line is that there is nothing nefarious about companies having different policies. Instead, it’s just a matter of them interpreting legal issues differently and making different decisions related to service.

Kudos to you for making it to the end of this article! By now, you definitely know how to evaluate your housing options. Next, you need to know how to manage the various options to ensure you achieve the best results! Select the links below to discover everything you need to know!

Related posts:

• The Ultimate Guide to Travel Nurse Agency Housing Accepting travel nursing company provided housing is more complicated than...
• Travel Nurse Housing – Tips for Securing Your Own Lodging Many travel nurses, especially first timers, shy away from securing...
• Using airbnb, HomeAway & tripadvisor for Travel Nurse Housing There are tons of options to explore for travel nurses...

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How to Maximize Your Housing Stipend as a Travel Nurse

Travel Nursing requires a hands-on and versatile approach to your nursing practice, but even more so, your entire life. To maximize earning potential, you can use your non-taxable stipends to help you make more take-home cash. Chief among these is the housing stipend, meant to help find lodging when traveling and working at a facility away from home. 

And, there are several ways to save cash and maximize your housing stipend as a Travel Nurse or Allied Healthcare Professional. 

What is a housing stipend?

So what is a housing stipend, and how does it work? Travel Nurses typically have two options when it comes to housing. They can either accept agency-provided housing, if available, or a housing stipend and find accommodation independently. 

When looking at the housing stipend, there are a few different ways to get paid. 

• If you’re offered a monthly rate, your housing stipend is allotted each week based on the length of your assignment. The only concern with monthly rates is when you’re paying rent for longer than an assignment lasts. For example, if you have a two-week job, you will only be paid for those two weeks, which may not cover the entire month’s worth of rent. 
• It’s essential to have enough money out of pocket to start living through a stipend. Because your stipend is typically paid out bi-weekly, you may be expected to cover the initial deposit and first month of rent before receiving your first paycheck. 
• One of the most significant ways you can save big on your housing stipend is that it will be entirely tax-free if you have a valid tax home and are far away enough from that tax home when traveling. 
• Stipend amounts vary, and it’s essential to look at the fine print on many of these contracts. Some agencies will pay very high stipends but offer lower hourly rates for your work, and prices will vary, of course, depending on where you’re living and the local housing markets in those regions. 

On top of these crucial points, you should look out for perks like included utilities or fully furnished accommodations when assessing a contract. 

Tips to maximize your Travel Nursing stipend

There are many different ways to maximize your Travel Nursing housing stipend. Below are several tips to help bolster your earnings and make your nursing housing stipend go the distance.

• It’s important to remember that some assignments may be as short as a few weeks and as long as three months or more. With this in mind, life will be that much easier if you find fully furnished housing that includes utilities in the rent and doesn’t have exorbitant premiums on short-term leasing. 
• If your nursing assignment is for more than six months, you will likely find traditional rentals through apartments, condos, townhomes, and so on. If you have a shorter contract, however, things like Airbnb, HomeAway, and VRBO, among others, have made it easier to find short-term housing. 
• Extended hotel stays can be a good option if space isn’t a priority for you. Depending on the area you’re in, finding fully-furnished housing that includes utilities might be challenging. An extended hotel stay could make things a lot easier. Be sure to keep an eye out for hotels that offer special deals for extended stays. 
• While these might not be for everyone, RVs are a very convenient and cheap solution that can be a lot of fun! RV parks and campsites are a lot cheaper than monthly rent, and the convenience of being able to pack and move on at a moment’s notice is a massive appeal to the RV route. 
• Finding a roommate as you go from place to place is a great way to mitigate many of the challenges that come with travel nursing. Aside from your bedroom, the apartment will already be fully furnished, and utilities will be included in your rent. Living with a roommate is also typically much cheaper than living alone, so you will save costs on that end as well. 
• Reach out to your friends and family members across the country. Living with a friend or family member for a short period is a great way to reunite with loved ones and save costs at the same time. 
• House sitting almost sounds too good to be true. To live and watch over someone’s house and possibly their pets and plants, you may not have to pay a single dime and may even earn a little cash for your efforts. TrustedHousesitters, HouseSittersAmerica, MindMyHouse are just a few options for house sitting apps you could utilize. 

Whichever option you choose, know that there are a plethora of ways to maximize your stipend and save on housing costs. While it might require a little bit of research and effort, you could make significant earnings on your housing stipend over time and create your travel nursing experiences as cost-effective as they are liberating.

With Medely, your next nursing job is only a tap away. Travel nursing opportunities are brought directly to your phone, so you have the control to create your schedule based on your travel needs. 

Medley delivers premium pay, maxed out travel stipends, and the ability to book per diem shifts while on an assignment so you can maximize your earnings. 

Freedom, flexibility, and support come standard. Be where you want to be, when you want to be there with Medely today . 

Private Housing

If you choose to elect housing and transportation provided by medical solutions, our expert housing and travel team is here to serve your needs. they know that caring for others all day can be stressful, so they go above and beyond to provide you with comfortable, low-stress accommodations during your assignment., with medical solutions, your housing is always:.

• Paid by the company
• Fully furnished
• Utilities Included - such as gas and/or electric, water, sewer, and trash - with set-up covered by Medical Solutions
• 32" flat-screen television and DVD player

Your housing options can also be customized according to your special needs such as:

• Pet friendly
• Floor level
• Washer/dryer
• Traveling with a family
• And more -- just be sure to talk to your recruiter upfront about any additional needs or preferences!

What does pet-friendly housing mean?

We know that our clinicians and their pets come as a package deal, so we proudly offer pet-friendly housing options. When you take our company-provided housing, we’ll help you find pet-friendly housing for your cats and/or dogs. Some properties or vendors may not allow or have restrictions for certain pets; in these cases, our team will do everything they can to find alternatives for you. We also cover refundable pet deposit costs upfront for you.

Paid Transportation

When Medical Solutions is your co-pilot, all your travel needs will be covered:

• Leased intermediate-size rental car, with LDW insurance coverage and unlimited mileage included
• Flights to and/or from your assignment

Taking a Housing or Travel Stipend Instead?

If you prefer to arrange your own housing and/or travel accommodations, you’re eligible for a housing stipend. Luckily, our housing and travel team is still a valuable resource for you, and we are always happy to help share recommendations or answer questions. Plus, as a current Medical Solutions traveler, you have access to our company discounts — including hotel and lodging deals such as:

• Avis & Budget Car Rental
• Hertz Car Rental
• Enterprise & National Car Rental
• Southwest Airlines
• Delta Airlines
• Hilton Hotels
• HotelEngine.com

Have housing you would like us to consider? Submit your information here so we can get it saved in our system!

What do clinicians say about our housing.

“We got to the apartment late last night, but had no trouble getting in and settled. We were impressed that the apartment was so large and fully furnished — much better than my last company. It felt like home as soon as we walked in the door!”

Jenna, Medical Solutions traveler

Travel Nurse Pay & Benefits

Understanding Travel Nurse Salary and Your Benefits Package

How much do travel nurses make?

There are many factors to consider when talking about how much travel nurses get paid, including:

When looking to optimize pay, it’s important to understand that pay packages differ based on specialty and location. For instance, a travel L&D nurse in California will make a different amount than a travel med-surg nurse in Kentucky.

Many travel nurses bounce around between states — sometimes even between specialties — and will be paid differently from assignment to assignment. You may also be eligible for housing, meal and incidental stipends to reimburse you for actual expenses incurred while on assignment. Your recruiter will discuss all these details with you during your search. Your recruiter will work diligently to find you positions that meet your financial goals. Keep in mind that flexibility during your job search with location, shift and other factors usually results in the potential of higher paying opportunities.

Log in and view pay packages and facility information for all jobs.

Travel Nursing Benefits with Aya

You can enroll and contribute to your 401k on the first of the month following eligibility, which is working 4 consecutive months or one year from your original hire date (with at least 1,000 hours worked). After a year (with at least 1,000 hours worked) you’re eligible for matching!

Medical Plan

A comprehensive medical, dental and vision plan from the first day you start an assignment with Aya Healthcare. You also have the option to add a spouse and/or dependents to your plan!

Sick Pay While on Assignment

You’ll start accruing sick time on the first day of your assignment and earn 1 hour for every 30 hours worked which you can start to use after 90 days.

Perks & Discounts

Wellness and fitness programs (like free virtual meditation and yoga) employee assistance programs (including clinical escalation if your work environment could be improved) and so much more.

Aya Scholars Program

This is the industry’s only clinical ladder program for travel nurses. In exchange for dedication to professional development, Aya Scholars candidates may be eligible for reimbursements for tuition and a specialty certification exam.

Where can I make the most money as a travel nurse?

Like we mentioned earlier, quite a few factors affect your pay, including specialty and location. But like with any job, you need to consider more than just pay. When evaluating an assignment, you should also consider the cost of living in the area. You can rely on your recruiter and the rest of your Aya Healthcare team for valuable advice to help you make the best career choice for you.

Privacy Overview

Politics latest: Sunak facing questions from Trevor Phillips - as he refuses to rule out July election

Rishi Sunak will be answering questions on Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, as he refuses to rule out a July general election. Meanwhile, a summit headed by Alex Salmond will meet later to discuss a key vote that could bring down Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf.

Sunday 28 April 2024 08:27, UK

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• Watch the prime minister answer questions on Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips from 8.30am
• Sunak refuses to rule out July general election
• Lone MSP with likely deciding vote in no-confidence motion to discuss demands
• Yousaf tells Sky News he is optimistic of winning
• Connor Gillies:  First minister must reset relations with very people he's burned bridges with
• Explained: How did we get here - and what happens next?
• Tap here to follow Electoral Dysfunction
• Sam Coates explains why the local elections matter
• Live reporting by Brad Young

Rishi Sunak has said migrants travelling to Ireland after arriving in the UK is a sign the Rwanda scheme is already working. 

Ireland's deputy prime minister Micheal Martin said on Friday that the threat of being deported to Rwanda had caused an influx of migrants to cross the border from Northern Ireland into the Republic. 

He said asylum seekers were seeking to "get sanctuary" within the European Union.

Mr Sunak told Sky News' Trevor Phillips that this clearly illustrates that "the deterrent is... already having an impact". 

"If people come to our country illegally, but know that they won't be able to stay, they’re much less likely to come, and that's why the Rwanda scheme is so important," the prime minister said. 

Read more on this here...

Our flagship Sunday morning show, hosted by Trevor Phillips, will be live on Sky News from 8.30am, and we have a busy lineup for you this morning.

Here's who Phillips will be chatting to:

• Prime Minister Rishi Sunak ;
• Labour's shadow health secretary Wes Streeting ;
• Former Tory immigration minister Robert Jenrick ;
• Pollster Peter Kellner .

You can also hear our full interview with former prime minister Liz Truss . 

On Phillips's expert panel this morning are:

• Former Number 10 communications director (David Cameron) Sir Craig Oliver ;
• Former Number 10 communications director (Tony Blair) Alistair Campbell ;
• Chief international anchor at CNN Christiane Amanpour .

Watch the interviews and all the analysis live on Sky News from 8.30am.

Watch  Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips  from 8.30am on Sky channel 501, Virgin channel 602, Freeview channel 233, on the  Sky News website  and  app  or on  YouTube .

By Connor Gillies , Scotland correspondent

Humza Yousaf will refuse to enter an electoral pact with Alex Salmond’s party that could have seen the SNP step aside in some Scottish seats, Sky News understands.

The Alba party, headed by Mr Salmond, are likely to have the deciding vote in a key vote of no confidence in the SNP first minister at Holyrood this week. It is on a knife-edge.

Its only MSP, Ash Regan, is to make a set of demands to Mr Yousaf and one of those demands included her rivals step aside in some seats to allow Alba to be elected.

Ms Regan defected from the SNP in the wake of her defeat in the race to replace Nicola Sturgeon last year.

But a senior source close to Scotland's first minister has said that will not happen. It is an idea that will be point-blank refused.

Alba members are to meet online on Sunday to thrash out their plans.

It comes after the Greens were sacked from their SNP powersharing government arrangement on Thursday.

They have reacted with fury saying they will not back Yousaf in the looming vote that could bring down the current Scottish government.

In an exclusive interview with Sky News on Saturday, the first minister said a Scottish election "can't be ruled out" amid the chaos.

He has written to the leaders of all Scottish political parties to seek talks on making a minority government work.

The Conservatives have rejected any suggestion they will support the FM.

The leader of Scottish Labour, Anas Sarwar, said it was "now a case of when, not if" the first minister stands down.

A tight vote is expected at Holyrood this week, where 64 out of 128 MSPs are poised to oppose Mr Yousaf continuing as first minister.

The SNP have 63 MSPs at Holyrood.

Alba has told Sky News it could be demanding a pact which would see Yousaf having to agree to only one pro-independence candidate standing in each constituency.

Asked if that would happen, a source close to the first minister said: "No."

A summit headed by Alex Salmond will meet later to discuss a key vote that could bring down Scotland's first minister Humza Yousaf.  

Mr Salmond's Alba Party, which has Ash Regan as its only MSP, is likely to have the deciding vote in a motion of no confidence against the SNP leader at Holyrood this week.

Ms Regan is expected to discuss her demands of Mr Yousaf when party members gather today.

Sky News understands discussions will take place online ahead of a possible meeting between the former SNP leadership rivals as early as Monday.

Mr Salmond said a "top line" of any discussion with Mr Yousaf would be the idea of partially reviving the Scotland United strategy – which would see a single pro-independence candidate stand in each Scottish constituency.

But Mr Yousaf's spokesperson has dismissed the idea of an electoral pact with the Alba Party to gain its support in the no-confidence vote as "fantasy."

Meanwhile, the Alba Party's Westminster leader, Neale Hanvey, said the party is "not saying we are going to save" Mr Yousaf.

He told Times Radio that the party has "come to absolutely no firm conclusion" about whether to support him.

Mr Yousaf faces a no confidence vote, tabled by the Scottish Conservatives, after he terminated the powersharing deal between the SNP and Scottish Greens on Thursday.

Scottish Labour has tabled a vote of no confidence in the Scottish Government as a whole.

Thursday's elections will have more than 2,600 seats at stake across 107 English councils. Labour's Sadiq Khan and Andy Burnham are among the 10 mayors up for re-election.

Those in Blackpool South will also be voting for their next MP after ex-Tory Scott Benton broke Commons lobbying rules, triggering a by-election.

With the Conservatives lagging behind Labour in the polls, the outcome will offer some insight on how voters in England and Wales feel ahead of the general election.

On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's deputy political editor Sam Coates to discuss why the elections are so important for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's future and where the key political battlegrounds are.

By Jennifer Scott , politics reporter

Rishi Sunak has failed to rule out holding a general election in July, as speculation remains rife over the timing of the national vote. 

The prime minister has repeatedly said his "working assumption" is the election would take place in the second half of this year - with the law stating January 2025 is the latest he could call it.

But while many commentators have predicted an autumn vote, Sky News' Trevor Phillips put to Mr Sunak that it could mean as early as July.

"Well, look, when it comes to a general election, I've been very clear about that multiple times," the prime minister said.

"And again, I'm not going to say anything more than I've already said, I've been very clear about that."

Phillips pushed Mr Sunak five times over whether he would rule out a July general election, but the Conservative leader refused to confirm or deny if it could take place then.

"You're going to try and draw whatever conclusion you want from what I say," he said. "I'm going to always try and say the same thing. You should just listen to what I said, [the] same thing I’ve said all year.

"But the point is... there's a choice when it comes to the general election. And look, over the past week or so... the country can have a very clear sense of what that difference is going to look like."

You can watch his full interview from 8.30am at the top of the page.

Read on here...

Good morning!

Welcome back to the Politics Hub for another busy Sunday in Westminster.

From 8.30am, we'll be live with  Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips .

Here's what you need to know before then:

• Rishi Sunak has failed to rule out holding a general election in July, as speculation remains rife over the timing;
• A summit headed by Alex Salmond will meet later to discuss a key vote that could bring down Scotland's first minister Humza Yousaf;  
• Pressure has piled on the prime minister after Conservative MP and former health minister Dan Poulter defected to Labour in frustration at the worsening NHS crisis;
• Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has called for everyone over 70 and those with long-term health conditions to be given access to a named GP.

And here's who is joining Phillips this morning

• Prime Minister  Rishi Sunak
• Labour's shadow health secretary  Wes Streeting
• Former Tory immigration minister  Robert Jenrick
• Pollster  Peter Kellner

Embattled Humza Yousaf has told Sky News he will not resign as Scotland's first minister.

Pressure has been building on  the SNP leader  after he tore up the power-sharing deal with the Scottish Greens - prompting a no-confidence motion in his leadership and a threatened knife-edge vote.

However, Mr Yousaf, on a visit to Dundee that was arranged at short notice after he pulled out of a speech in Glasgow, insisted he was getting on with the job and accused the opposition of "playing games".

He said he would be writing to the leaders of all Scottish political parties to seek talks on making a minority government work.

He told Sky's Scotland correspondent Connor Gillies : "I intend absolutely to fight that vote of no confidence, I've got every intention of winning that vote of no confidence.

"And let me say to the opposition for minority government to work in the interest of the people of Scotland also requires the opposition to act in good faith."

Humza Yousaf's future as first minister is hanging in the balance ahead of a motion of no confidence next week.

Now, as leader of a minority government, his fate may be hanging on just one vote - that of a former SNP leadership rival. 

We take a look at how:

The numbers

In the Scottish parliament, the SNP has 63 seats out of 129 , two short of an outright majority;

The Conservatives have  31;

Labour has 22;

The Greens have  seven;

The Liberal Democrats have four;

The Alba Party has one ;

There is also one presiding officer Alison Johnstone, who is both an MSP and Scotland's equivalent of the Commons speaker.

How the numbers are expected to fall

The motion of no confidence was brought by the Scottish Conservatives.

The Greens, Labour and the Lib Dems have all said they are backing the motion.

That would translate into 64 votes against the first minister versus 63 SNP votes.

So the one Alba vote is expected to be key.

How it may all come down to one ... Ash Regan

Once an SNP leadership rival to Mr Yousaf, Ash Regan defected to Alex Salmond's Alba Party last October. 

If she backs Mr Yousaf then that would mean both sides have 64 votes.

Ms Johnstone would then be expected to vote in favour of the status quo, so the first minister would survive.

But if Ms Regan votes against Mr Yousaf, then the opposition parties will have 65 votes against the SNP's 63, and the first minister would lose.

He wouldn't be compelled to resign in this situation, but he'd be under huge pressure to step aside.

More to come

And remember, Scottish Labour have lodged a separate motion of no confidence in the Scottish government. 

Alba have said it won't back that motion.

Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf is battling to save his job as he faces a knife-edge no-confidence vote.

The SNP leader triggered a crisis at Holyrood after he dramatically brought the power-sharing deal with the Scottish Greens to an end.

The backlash has plunged Mr Yousaf's future into doubt, although party colleagues insist he will not resign.

How did we get here?

The Bute House Agreement - signed back in 2021 and named after the first minister's official residence in Edinburgh - brought the Green Party into government for the first time anywhere in the UK.

It gave the SNP a majority at Holyrood when the votes of its MSPs were combined with those of the seven Green members, and also made Green co-leaders Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater junior ministers.

Without it, the SNP would need to have operated as a minority administration at Holyrood.

What caused the relationship to sour?

There had been mounting tensions between the largest party at Holyrood and their junior partners in government.

The Greens were angered at the SNP-led administration's recent decision to ditch a key climate change target.

That, combined with the decision to pause the prescription of new puberty blockers to under-18s at at Scotland's only gender clinic, resulted in the Greens announcing they would have a vote on the future of the power-sharing deal. 

Read more here:

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