Budgeting is essential for all of us… but it’s especially important for healthcare travelers.
As a healthcare traveler, you spend 13 weeks (give or take) on an assignment, and then you typically move on. With these moves come the need for funds, not just to make the move, but to secure your housing at your next location.
Here are some traveler-tested, wallet-approved tips to help you make the most of your budget on assignment:
🏡Negotiate monthly AirBnB or VRBO before booking
Longer stays = better deals (if you ask for them!). Many hosts are willing to offer discounted rates if they know you’ll be staying 13+ weeks. It’s a win-win… You get a lower rate, and they avoid turnover.
Some travelers only book short-term for the first week, then ask around at work for local housing tips. Coworkers may know of safe, affordable options that aren’t listed online, like rooms for rent or hospital-affiliated housing.
👉Housing is usually your biggest expense, so negotiating here makes a big impact.
📲Use Local Apps & Facebook Groups for Discounts
Instead of Groupon, try more up-to-date tools for finding deals in your new city:
- Facebook Events: Great for discovering free or low-cost events happening near you.
- Eventbrite: Offers everything from fitness classes to festivals, many of them free or donation-based.
- Too Good to To 🍱: Snag discounted meals from local restaurants and bakeries that are selling leftover food at the end of the day.
- Meetup 👯: Join free social events or hobby groups and explore your interests without spending a dime.
These apps help you get the local experience without the tourist prices.
🍕Meal Prep or Bring Your Lunch to Work
Hospital cafeterias can be expensive… and let’s be honest, not always the most exciting.
Prepping meals ahead of time saves money and makes busy shift days easier. Many travelers swear by the Instant Pot for quick, space-saving meal prep. And with TikTok and Pinterest full of 30-minute recipes, you’ll never get bored.
💡Bonus: Bring your lunch, and you can eat outside or in your car for a mini mental break during your shift.
🛒 Dollar Stores & Smart Shopping
Dollar stores are still a budget hero. You can grab essentials like:
- Cleaning supplies
- Toiletries
- Kitchen items
- Snacks
Perfect for short-term stays when you don’t want to invest in full-size items, or worry about packing them later.
Also consider:
🛍️Discount stores like Aldi for groceries and household basics
💸Digital Coupons through store apps like Target Circle, Kroger, or Safewy for easy savings without the Sunday scissors.
☕Make Your Coffee at Home
It’s tempting to grab that iced oat milk latte on your way to work… but daily coffee shop runs add up fast. Even at $4 a cup, that’s $100+ a month.
Making coffee at home is a game-changer for your budget. Single-serve coffee makers or compact espresso machines are traveler favorites; they’re small, convenient, and save serious cash over time.
🆓Find Free & Low-Cost Local Fun
There’s more to your new city than just work! Explore it without blowing your budget:
- Local hiking trails or nature parks 🌲
- Free museum nights or art walks 🎨
- Outdoor concerts or farmers markets 🎶
- Community fitness events or yoga in the park 🧘♀️
Check local Instagram accounts or city Reddit pages for insider tips. And don’t be afraid to ask new coworkers, they know where the hidden gems are.
📊Stick to a Budget & Build Your Cushion
Make a plan for your money. Having a solid budget and savings plan gives you freedom, especially if you experience a gap between assignments.
Even just setting aside a small percentage of each paycheck can add up fast. And when unexpected costs pop up (because they always do), you’ll be ready.
💡Pro tip: Apps like YNAB (You Need A Budget) or Goodbudget can help you track your spending while on the move.
These tips are just the beginning. Every healthcare traveler finds their own rhythm, but these ideas can help you save smart, live comfortably, and make the most of every assignment. 💜
