Travel Nurse Housing Guide (2026)
Finding a safe, furnished, short-term place on a deadline is one of the hardest parts of travel nursing. Here's how to decide between the stipend and agency housing, where to actually search, and how to stretch every dollar.
Updated June 2026
Stipend or agency housing: which should you take?
You'll usually choose between a tax-free housing stipend (you find and pay for your own place) or agency-placed housing (the agency arranges it and reduces your stipend).
Taking the stipend almost always pays off if you can find housing below the stipend amount — you keep the difference, tax-free. Agency housing trades that upside for convenience and zero hassle, which can be worth it for your first contract or a tight timeline.
Where to search for travel nurse housing
No single site has everything, so smart travelers search several at once. The ScrubbedIn Housing Finder pulls listings from all of these in one search:
- Furnished Finder — built for traveling professionals; mostly monthly furnished rentals.
- Airbnb — wide selection; ask about monthly discounts.
- HotPads & Zillow — good for longer furnished or unfurnished options.
- Corporate Housing by Owner — fully-furnished, professional rentals.
- Facebook travel nurse housing groups — nurse-to-nurse sublets (vet carefully).
Budgeting against your housing stipend
Your housing stipend is set by federal GSA per-diem rates for the assignment's location, so it already reflects local cost of living. Aim to spend less than the stipend on rent so the remainder stays in your pocket. Remember to budget for deposits, utilities (if not included), and the gap before your first stipend check arrives.
Short-term, furnished, and extended-stay options
For 13-week contracts you want furnished, short-term rentals with flexible lease terms. If you can't find a rental in time, extended-stay hotels (with kitchenettes) are a solid bridge for the first week or two. Furnished apartments near the hospital save commute time and parking headaches — worth a premium on night shifts.
Avoiding housing scams
Never wire money or pay off-platform for a place you haven't verified. Classic red flags: a landlord who can't do a video tour, prices far below market, pressure to pay a deposit immediately, or requests for gift cards. When in doubt, ask the travel nurse community.
Search every housing site in one place
The free ScrubbedIn Housing Finder pulls Furnished Finder, Airbnb, HotPads, Zillow, and corporate housing into a single search.
Try the Housing Finder Join ScrubbedIn FreeTravel nurse housing FAQ
Should I take the housing stipend or agency housing?
Take the stipend if you can find housing below the stipend amount — you keep the tax-free difference. Agency housing is easier and removes risk, which can be worth it for a first contract or tight timeline.
How much is a travel nurse housing stipend?
It's based on federal GSA per-diem rates for the assignment location, so it varies widely — often roughly $1,000–$2,000+ per week in expensive metros and less in lower-cost areas.
Where do travel nurses find short-term housing?
Furnished Finder, Airbnb, HotPads, Zillow, Corporate Housing by Owner, and travel-nurse Facebook groups. The ScrubbedIn Housing Finder searches these in one place.
Is the housing stipend taxed?
No — if you maintain a legitimate tax home and duplicate living expenses. Otherwise the IRS treats it as taxable income. See the travel nurse tax guide.
Explore more
This guide is general educational information, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Details change and vary by state, agency, and individual situation. Always verify current requirements with official sources and qualified professionals before making decisions.