Travel nursing is an exciting career that offers high pay, the opportunity to explore new cities, meet new people, and experience diverse cultures. Unlike permanent staff, they move frequently, working in a new city every 8 to 13 weeks, which helps them grow personally and professionally. But let’s face it, finding the right housing can make or break your travel nursing experience. Finding the right housing is all about comfort, safety, affordability, and convenience. Here are essential housing and accommodation tips for travel nurses in 2025. Start your travel nursing journey with SkillGigs and discover the top nursing jobs.
Agency provided housing and housing stipends.
As a travel nurse it is important to understand agency provided housing and housing stipends.
Agency provided housing: Sometimes agency provides fully furnished and ready-to-move housing for travel nurses, which saves them time and reduces their stress. They don’t have to worry about hunting for the place to live because it is already done by the agency.
Housing stipends: Some travel nurses get housing stipends, which is the money they get to cover their housing costs. Travel nurses find their own housing according to their needs, which gives them freedom and flexibility.
Tips for housing and accommodation for travel nurses
Choosing the housing stipends means you are responsible for finding your own place. It is important that you choose safe, comfortable place that is near the facility. Housing decisions can either make or break your travel nursing experience. Here are some tips to consider while selecting the housing for your travel nursing job.
Sooner the better:
In high demand areas, the best housing options get booked easily and therefore it is important to start searching for your place as soon as you get your assignment to secure best deals and locations.
Consider Budgeting and Costs:
Always consider budgeting and cost. Housing stipends sometimes may not fully cover the cost of rent therefore, always compare the stipend with local rent. Besides rent also consider other expenses such as utilities, internet, parking fees, etc. This can add up and can exceed your housing stipends therefore read your contract carefully and set up a realistic budget, so you don’t have to pay out of pocket.
Choose the Right Location:
Always look for a place that is near your work facility to save commute time. Ideally, choose a place that is 10 to 15 minutes away from your facility. Make sure your place is near grocery stores, gyms, etc, to make your stay far more comfortable.
Safety and Security:
Safety should be your topmost priority when looking for housing. It is important you feel safe after long shift hours. Research the neighborhood for crime rates, safety, and overall environment so you can have peace of mind. Check your property for secure locks, well-lit entrances and other safety measures such as gated access, security cameras, and alarm systems. Don’t hesitate to ask questions form property managers or landlords about their safety measures.
Consider the type of housing that will best suit you:
Consider your assignment length when choosing the type of housing. Short-term rentals are fully furnished, flexible but at a higher cost. It is ideal for short-term assignments such as from few weeks to months. Long-term rentals are more affordable, but they may require paperwork and a deposit, but they are ideal for long-term contracts. The other option you can consider to safe money is sharing rent with other travel nurses. This will reduce the cost and will also provide social support.
Ask for Furnishing and Amenities:
We know that travel nurses work on temporary contracts, so it is important that housing has all the amenities they need. For 13 weeks, you don’t want to spend on furniture and other stuff as it can be expensive and therefore it is important that the housing is fully furnished so you can focus on your job. If the place you choose to live in is fully furnished, then it makes moving easier and you don’t have to stress about furniture and other amenities. While renting housing, check for essential amenities such as laundry, kitchen utensils, Wi-Fi, and parking space, etc.
Read reviews and verify listings:
Another important tip is to make sure to read reviews online. Never wire money without verifying the property or landlord. Make sure that the place you rent is safe and that there is no fraud.
Negotiating:
One more tip for travel nurses is to negotiate lease terms. Don’t be shy as some landlords will happily give you discounts. Renting their place for weeks to months can be beneficial for them too. You can also ask for other amenities such as Wi-Fi, to include in the rent. This will save you money for coffee later.
Consider shared housing:
For travel nurses, sharing rooms is the best way to cut down on expenses. Especially in high cost living areas, sharing rent, utilities and other living costs can make housing more affordable and save you money. Not only that, traveling can also make you feel lonely and having a roommate can be very helpful. Before jumping into the idea of shared housing, make sure to discuss all the rules to avoid conflicts.
Tips for travel nurses to avoid housing scams
Some of tips for travel nurses to avoid housing scams are as follows:
- Always verify the listing and check reviews online.
- Avoid sending money through cash apps.
- Do thorough research on the landlord and property.
- Request a virtual tour if you cannot visit in person to ensure it matches the listing.
- Watch out for “Too Good to Be True” listings. Compare prices with nearby neighborhood,
- Read all terms and agreements carefully to avoid problems and extra expenses later.
- Speak directly on the phone not just emails or texts.
- Verify the neighborhood and check local crime rates.
- You can also check the location on google maps to see the surroundings.
- Use trusted travel nursing housing resources.
- Always have a backup plan.
What are some of the most trusted travel nurse housing websites and platforms?
Some of the most trusted travel nursing housing websites and platforms are:
- Furnished finder.
- Travel nurse housing.
- Airbnb
- Apartments.com / Zillow / HotPads
- VRBO
How can I find safe and affordable housing as a travel nurse?
Finding housing as a travel nurse can be hard and stressful. Here are some tips to find safe and affordable housing as a travel nurse:
- Start with trusted platforms such as furnished finder, travelnursehousing.com, etc
- Comparing your stipends with your rent, it is possible that finding your own house can save you hundreds.
- Always prioritize safety and research on location.
- Always consider extra costs such as Wi-Fi, parking fees, etc., make sure they do not exceed.
- Consider the idea of shared place. This can save you a lot.
- Always have a backup plan
Conclusion
Travel nursing is an exciting career with high pay and benefits. But sometimes finding hose can be challenging for nurses. Sometimes agencies provide the house to the nurses and sometimes travel nurses get the housing stipends. With housing stipends travel nurses have the freedom to choose their own place and can also save hundreds. But it can also be challenging and stressful. Housing & Accommodation Tips for Travel Nurses before booking their housing are to do research, apply on trusted sites, negotiate with landlords, avoid scams, etc. Become a travel nurse with SkillGigs where you get the opportunity to get high pay, benefits and so much more! Join Now.
