Travel nursing is so much more than just a job—it’s an adventure. That mindset is why we are all in the industry we are in. Each new assignment offers the chance to explore vibrant cities, make lifelong memories, and immerse yourself in diverse cultures. But while the allure of the open road is undeniable, finding affordable housing can be a bit of a puzzle.

With a little strategy and creativity, you can unlock amazing living experiences without breaking the bank. Let’s dive into the best ways to secure affordable housing, especially in some of 2025’s top-paying cities for travel nurses. So, we did a little legwork to help you find that perfect 2025 assignment: experiences, history, sports, pay, and affordable housing tips!

Top-Paying Cities for Travel Nurses in 2025

Working in a high-paying city can significantly enhance your travel nursing experience. Here are a few locations that combine lucrative contracts with unbeatable opportunities for exploration:

San Francisco, CA: With pay rates often exceeding $4,000 per week, San Francisco is a dream for nurses. Explore iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, indulge in eclectic food scenes, and enjoy breathtaking coastal hikes—all while earning top dollar.
New York, NY: The city that never sleeps offers contracts around $3,800/week. Whether you’re catching a Broadway show, strolling through Central Park, or exploring hidden gems in every borough, NYC promises endless excitement.
Austin, TX: Known for its live music scene and quirky vibe, Austin pays nurses around $3,500/week. Picture yourself paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake or savoring mouthwatering barbecue after a fulfilling shift.
Seattle, WA: This Pacific Northwest gem offers contracts over $3,700/week. Between the majestic views of Mount Rainier, coffee culture, and thriving arts scene, Seattle has something for everyone.
Boston, MA: With rates near $3,600/week, Boston lets you step back in time with its rich history while enjoying a modern, bustling city. Don’t forget to catch a Red Sox game or stroll along the picturesque Charles River.

Housing Hacks for Travel Nurses

Once you’ve landed your dream assignment, it’s time to find a home base that feels just as rewarding. These tips can help you discover affordable housing options that match your budget and lifestyle:

1. Furnished Finder: Short-Term Comfort

This platform was designed with travel professionals in mind. Furnished Finder connects you directly with landlords offering fully furnished, short-term rentals near hospitals. Think cozy apartments with everything you need—so you can focus on exploring, not shopping for pots and pans.

2. Extended-Stay Hotels: Flexibility and Convenience

Chains like Marriott’s TownePlace Suites and Hilton’s Homewood Suites often provide discounts for long stays. With amenities like kitchenettes, fitness centers, and even free breakfasts, extended-stay hotels make it easy to settle in and feel at home right away.

3. Facebook Groups: Insider Connections

Local Facebook groups like “Travel Nurse Housing” can be treasure troves of leads. From sublets to room shares, you’ll find options shared by fellow travelers who’ve been in your shoes. It’s also a great way to meet other nurses and build your community.

4. Airbnb: Negotiate Like a Pro

For stays of 30 days or more, Airbnb hosts often offer significant discounts. Don’t be afraid to reach out and negotiate a better rate. Explain your travel nurse assignment and offer a reasonable price—many hosts appreciate reliable, short-term tenants.

5. Roommate Partnerships: Build Connections

Pairing up with fellow travel nurses can open the door to more spacious and affordable housing. Splitting the cost of a multi-bedroom apartment or house not only saves money but also fosters camaraderie during your assignment.

6. Craigslist: Stay Savvy

Craigslist may feel old-school, but it still offers plenty of hidden gems. Use it to find affordable housing, but always vet landlords and properties thoroughly. Meeting in person and verifying details can help ensure a smooth experience.

7. Maximize Your Stipend

Taking the tax-free housing stipend can be a game-changer. By finding accommodations that cost less than your stipend, you can pocket the difference and boost your income. For instance, in cities like Austin or Seattle, where housing options are diverse, this approach can add significant cash to your wallet.

Turn Housing Into Part of the Adventure

Housing doesn’t have to feel like a chore; it can be part of the thrill of travel nursing. Imagine waking up in a charming brownstone in Boston, a high-rise apartment with skyline views in Seattle, or a quirky bungalow in Austin. The right housing can enhance your adventure, giving you a unique glimpse into your temporary city.

Additional Pro Tips

Travel Off-Peak: Many tourist-heavy cities have lower rents in their off-season. For example, finding housing near the beaches of New England in early spring can save you a bundle compared to summer rates.
Ask Your Agency: Agencies like OneStaff Medical often provide housing resources or connect you with trusted providers, helping you find a hassle-free option and help take one thing off your plate as you plan an assignment.
Stay Organized: Create a spreadsheet to track potential housing options, their costs, and amenities. This will streamline your search and make comparisons easier.

Start Your Next Adventure with OneStaff Medical

As a travel nurse, you have the unique opportunity to work where you’ve always dreamed of living—even if just for a little while. By using these housing tips, you can make the most of your travel nursing experience without overspending. Ready to find your next assignment in one of 2025’s top-paying cities? OneStaff Medical is here to help you secure the contract, the connections, and the unforgettable experiences that make travel nursing so rewarding.

Let’s make your next move your best move yet!

Find Your Next Travel Healthcare Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel healthcare gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities. We have opportunities for all travel healthcare professionals.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel healthcare assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

One of the hardest parts of our work as travelers is constant moving and finding good, safe housing. After three years of doing this in eight different cities, I’ve gotten a pretty good system down. And I’m here to share my process with you!

How to search for housing as a travel nurse:

Check the crime map.

When I get a job offer and accept the position, I immediately check the crime map for the area. Most of the time, I am moving to a place I have never been to or that I don’t know very well. My first priority is being in a safe area that is still in a good location to work. Personally, I like to live close to work because I like to sleep as long as I can before going in for a shift. By looking at the crime map, you can get a general idea of neighborhoods to avoid or to focus on.

What are your non-negotiables?

This is something to consider before going on to check housing sites. What are your non-negotiables? For me, they tend to be things like free parking on the premises, in-unit laundry, and a full-size fridge. Oh, and maximum budget, of course. There have been times when I’ve had to flex on these things (good luck finding an affordable place in NYC with in-unit laundry), and that’s ok. These are just the things to consider when you start your search.

Check out Furnished Finder.

Once I have a few areas scouted, I go to Furnished Finder – I know Gypsy Nurse is affiliated with Furnished Finder, but I am not. I just truly like the site and app. I’ve had really great experiences using FF, and I recommend it to all of my travel nurse friends. I’ve even recommended it to people renting their property for mid-term rentals. The big thing I like about it is there are no additional fees added like another app we all know and love.

Most times, the rent includes all of my utilities as well, so I don’t have to make separate payments. And I don’t have to sign up for new internet every three months that I move!

Try Facebook housing groups.

There have been times when the places listed on Furnished Finder are either out of my budget or just aren’t what I’m looking for. Sometimes, there aren’t a lot of options in that specific city. In those situations, I’ve gotten on Facebook – yeah, I know – and used travel nurse housing groups. In fact, Gypsy Nurse has one that I use! It may seem outdated, but there are a lot of great options there, and often, there will be comments from people who have stayed there before, letting you know if it was a good or bad experience.

Try other housing sites.

If both of those fail, I have used Air B’n’B before. Again, this is my last resort because of the added fees. Usually, I will book a one-month stay, get to know the landlord, and ask to pay them outside the app for the other 2-5 months that I might be there. This also allows me to decide if I want to stay in that area longer or not. There are pros and cons to this.

Look into agency-provided housing.

Another option that I don’t think is talked about very often, and one that I’ve never used is going through your agency. If all of this just seems like too much work and stress or is super overwhelming, most travel agencies have a housing department that can help you find a place to live. All 4 of the agencies I’ve worked with have offered this to me. I just personally prefer to use my own resources and save some (a lot) of my hard-earned money!

If you decide this is the route you want to go, you will not receive a housing stipend on your paycheck. It is one or the other. I promise you can find housing for way less than your stipend allows, so I would only recommend this route if it is truly something that causes you a lot of stress.

Always as for Facetime, Zoom, etc of the housing.

Another tip for the house hunting process: Always ask FaceTime, Zoom, etc., with the landlord so you can get an idea of who they are and see the place in real-time. As travelers, we can’t really pop over to view an apartment when we are 3000 miles away! They should accommodate that, and if they don’t, I would take that as a red flag. This also gives you a chance to see how the landlord is. We’ve all had crappy landlords, might as well try to eliminate that obstacle if you can!

Lastly, make sure that wherever you decide to live is a spot that you will enjoy on your days off!

We typically work 3-4 days a week, so what will you be doing with the other 3-4 days off?! Half the point of travel nursing (at least for me) is enjoying and exploring new places! Don’t forget to have fun, too! Happy housing hunting!

If you want to read more travel content, check out Sophie’s blog at thetravelingsopha.com.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

Medical Edge Recruitment provided this article.

Written by: Taylor Dupont, Inbound Marketing Specialist, Medical Edge Recruitment

As a travel nurse, life on the road can be exhilarating yet challenging. Moving from one assignment to another means adapting quickly to new environments, including temporary housing. But who says temporary has to mean uncomfortable? With a few tricks up your sleeve, you can turn your travel nurse accommodations into a cozy haven that feels like home sweet home.

Tips to make your temporary housing feel more like home:

Start with personalizing your space.

While you may not be able to paint the walls or overhaul the furniture, there are plenty of ways to add your personal touch. Bring along some framed photos of loved ones, your favorite throw blanket, or even a scented candle to create a familiar and comforting atmosphere.

Once the personalization is complete, tackle the kitchen.

Eating out every night can quickly drain your wallet and your health. Instead, embrace your inner chef and whip up some home-cooked meals. Stock up on essentials like spices, cooking oils, and your go-to ingredients so you can easily recreate your favorite dishes. And don’t forget to invest in a few pieces of quality storage containers for those delicious leftovers!

After cooking, you’ll want to enjoy some relaxation.

After a long day of caring for patients, you deserve some time to rest. Create a designated zone where you can unwind and recharge. Whether it’s a cozy reading nook with a plush armchair or a Netflix binge-worthy sofa setup, make sure it’s a space where you can truly let go of the day’s stresses.

Of course, no home is complete without a little entertainment.

Bring along your favorite books (for reading or coloring), electronic games, or streaming devices to keep boredom at bay during your downtime. And don’t forget to explore your new surroundings! Whether it’s hiking trails, local museums, or hidden gems in the city, take advantage of your temporary home’s unique offerings.

Last but certainly not least, don’t forget to connect with your fellow travel nurses.

Building a sense of community can make all the difference when you’re far from home. Organize potluck dinners, movie nights, or even weekend getaways to explore nearby attractions together. Who knows, you might just make lifelong friends and travel buddies along the way!

With a little creativity and a whole lot of heart, you can turn your travel nurse accommodations into a home away from home. Embrace the adventure, savor the moments, and remember that home is wherever you make it. Happy travels!

We hope you found this article on tips to make your temporary housing feel more like home helpful. Have you found ways to make your temporary housing feel more like home? Comment below with your best advice or tips for turning your temporary housing into a more personalized space.

Interested in working with an agency who can provide travel contracts and assist with your housing accommodations?

Medical Edge Recruitment is a premier travel nursing recruitment agency specializing in providing top talent to clients in the healthcare industry. We connect clinical and allied providers to their ideal opportunities, focusing on building long-lasting relationships through honesty and transparency. In travel nursing, bigger does not always mean better. While we have an extensive network of job opportunities, our experienced team is dedicated to making a personalized provider experience a priority. There are a lot of moving parts in getting set up for a new assignment, but we take care of all the details along the way. Adventure awaits. Let Medical Edge Recruitment show you where to go next!

Find Your Next Travel Healthcare Assignment with Our Job Board!

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel healthcare assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

Uniti Med provided this article.

Congratulations on securing your travel healthcare assignment! Now that you’ve landed the gig, the next step is finding a place to live. Whether you are a travel nurse, therapist, or any healthcare professional embarking on a new assignment, your housing choice can affect your overall experience. To help you make the best decision, Uniti Med has put some key factors to consider.

Location:

One of the most critical factors to think about when choosing temporary housing is its location. Ideally, you’ll want a housing option that is close to your assigned healthcare facility or provides convenient transportation options. Being near amenities such as grocery stores, restaurants, and recreational areas can enhance your quality of life during your assignment.

Cost:

Comparing the costs of different housing options is essential. Consider not only the monthly rent but also the utilities, parking fees, and any added charges. Be mindful of your budget and how your housing choice will affect your overall compensation during the assignment.

Lease Terms:

If you opt for independent housing, be sure to review the lease terms and flexibility. Some property owners may offer short-term leases that align with the duration of your assignment, while others may require longer commitments. Ensuring that the lease terms match your assignment timeline can save you from complications down the road.

Amenities:

Review the amenities provided by each housing option. For example, if you prefer cooking your meals, a fully equipped kitchen may be essential. Other amenities to consider include access to laundry facilities, reliable Wi-Fi, and convenient parking options. Make sure your housing choice aligns with your lifestyle and preferences.

Safety and Security:

Prioritize your safety when selecting temporary housing. Research the neighborhood where the housing is located. Reading reviews, talking to fellow healthcare professionals who have stayed in the area, and seeking recommendations from your recruiters can help you assess the safety and security of the environment. Your well-being is paramount, so don’t compromise on this aspect.

Additional Resources:

For a comprehensive list of housing resources tailored to healthcare professionals, be sure to visit the Uniti Med Housing Resources webpage.

Finding the right temporary housing will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience during your assignments. By considering the factors above, you will be well-equipped to make an informed choice that suits your needs and enhances your overall travel healthcare experience.

Happy housing hunting, and may your assignment be a success!

Explore job opportunities available with Uniti Med, or have one of our recruiters reach out to you!

The Gypsy Nurse job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Top-Paying Cities for Travel Nurses in 2025

Housing Hacks for Travel Nurses

Turn Housing Into Part of the Adventure

Additional Pro Tips

Start Your Next Adventure with OneStaff Medical

Find Your Next Travel Healthcare Assignment with Our Job Board!

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

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How to search for housing as a travel nurse:

Check the crime map.

What are your non-negotiables?

Check out Furnished Finder.

Try Facebook housing groups.

Try other housing sites.

Look into agency-provided housing.

Always as for Facetime, Zoom, etc of the housing.

Lastly, make sure that wherever you decide to live is a spot that you will enjoy on your days off!

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

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Tips to make your temporary housing feel more like home:

Start with personalizing your space.

Once the personalization is complete, tackle the kitchen.

After cooking, you’ll want to enjoy some relaxation.

Of course, no home is complete without a little entertainment.

Last but certainly not least, don’t forget to connect with your fellow travel nurses.

Find Your Next Travel Healthcare Assignment with Our Job Board!

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

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Location:

Cost:

Lease Terms:

Amenities:

Safety and Security:

Additional Resources:

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

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