Where Do Travel Nurses Stay? Your Ultimate Housing Guide

Becoming a travel nurse offers a unique opportunity to explore new cities while advancing your healthcare career. But where do travel nurses stay when they’re hundreds of miles from home or even in a different state? Whether it’s renting an Airbnb, leasing a condo, or staying in an extended-stay hotel, there are plenty of options for travel nurses looking for temporary housing. 

How, then, do traveling nurses find housing, and where do they stay? Our exploration of housing options will help healthcare professionals like you find a safe place to live during your travel assignment so you can rest up and recharge before each shift.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to find housing that’s safe, comfortable, and suits your travel assignment needs.

Where Do Travel Nurses Stay?

Where do traveling nurses stay? There aren’t any one-size-fits-all answers. Instead, healthcare professionals choose solutions that align with their preferences, budgets, and contract lengths. Some popular choices include:

Agency-Provided Housing Assistance

One of the most common and convenient solutions is agency housing. When you go with this option, your recruiter finds and secures travel nurse housing sites for you. This allows you to focus on preparing for your move, obtaining licensure for the new state, and focusing on the next steps in your travel nursing journey.

The agency will likely pay for your housing as part of your contract terms. They will usually place you in extended-stay hotels, apartments, or rental properties with short-term leases. The advantage of this option is that you don’t have to worry about the logistics of finding a place or dealing with leases. However, you also don’t have complete control over where you stay.

As a client-centered travel nurse agency, GHR takes a more nuanced approach. Our recruiters offer help with your housing search.

We use our nationwide partnerships with property owners and hotels to help you secure temporary housing. Our collaborative efforts give you the final say over your short-term housing arrangements while simplifying the search for suitable accommodations.

Stipend Housing

Agencies like GHR negotiate with employers to help our recruits obtain housing stipends. While these stipends aren’t a standard part of every job opportunity, they are something we fight for during negotiations to help mitigate your housing costs while on an assignment. The stipend amount varies by location and is set in accordance with the cost of living in each area.

A travel nurse housing stipend gives you the freedom to choose where you live. You receive a set amount of money from your agency to spend on rent and utilities. If you find housing that costs less than the stipend, you can pocket the difference, making this an attractive option for budget-savvy nurses.

The primary appeal of stipends is flexibility. You can choose a place that perfectly suits your lifestyle. You could also find roommates who share your travel assignment and split housing costs to put part of the stipend back in your pocket. However, you’ll be responsible for negotiating lease terms and managing all aspects of your housing arrangement.

Short-Term Rentals

Thanks to platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and others, short-term rentals have become increasingly popular among travel nurses. These platforms offer affordable housing and flexible terms, allowing you to avoid the hassle of leases. You’ll also enjoy the comforts of home and can find a rental to suit just about any lifestyle.

Before settling on a rental, consider factors like proximity to your workplace and the safety of the neighborhood. Always read reviews from previous guests as well to get a sense of what to expect. If you believe that you and the property manager will be unable to see eye-to-eye, it’s best to explore other options.

How Do Travel Nurses Find Housing?

How do traveling nurses find housing? Here are a few tactics they use:

Leveraging Their Staffing Agency

A good staffing agency like GHR can help travel nurses find housing through their established network with property owners and hotel chains. With the recruiter’s guidance, nurses can secure accommodations and focus on preparing for their assignment while ensuring housing is safe and meets their needs.

Related Reading: The Complete Guide to Starting Your First Healthcare Travel Assignment

Online Resources and Listings

Travel nurses can use popular platforms like Zillow, Apartments.com, and Furnished Finder to search for housing independently. These platforms allow for flexible search criteria, including budget, pet-friendly options, and amenities, helping you find the right temporary housing for your assignment.

Networking and Recommendations

Networking with fellow travel nurses and healthcare professionals can provide invaluable recommendations for housing. Reaching out to others who’ve been to the area can help you find safe and affordable housing options, giving you firsthand insights on the best neighborhoods and places to stay.

You can also tap into GHR’s network and our most frequently asked questions for travel assignments. We’ll be able to connect you with travel nurses who have recently worked in the area you are relocating to. Your recruiter will be with you every step of the way, ensuring you find safe housing that meets your budget and lifestyle needs.

3 Considerations for Travel Nurse Housing

Before taking a travel nurse job, you’ll need to consider your housing needs. Here are a few variables that come into play:

1. Location and Proximity

Location is one of the most important factors when choosing housing. Look for accommodations that are close to your workplace to avoid long commutes. Consider transportation options and your proximity to grocery stores, recreational areas, and other amenities.

2. Budget and Cost Management

Travel nurses should plan their housing budget carefully by factoring in rent, utilities, and any additional costs. With a housing stipend, you’ll have more flexibility in managing costs, but make sure your accommodation stays within budget while offering comfort and convenience.

3. Safety and Comfort

Safety should always be a top priority. Before committing to a place, research the neighborhood’s safety, including the crime rate. Ensure the building has secure access and locks. If anything feels off during the evaluation, trust your instincts and explore other options.

Dos and Don’ts for Travel Nurse Housing

Here are a few dos and don’ts to aid in your search for housing before your next travel assignment.

Dos

Before you commit to any long-term stays, make sure that you:

• Research all aspects of potential housing options
• Keep track of all contracts, leases, and communications with housing providers
• Be honest about your needs and expectations

Let the landlord or property owner know that you are looking for short-term housing. Transparency will help you find accommodations that are a good fit for your needs.

Don’ts

Make sure that you don’t:

1. Sign a long-term lease with hefty cancellation fees
2. Choose housing based solely on pricing
3. Rush to find accommodations without doing your homework

The last thing you want is to find yourself locked into a long-term lease or paying for housing in an unsafe neighborhood. Be diligent and thoroughly research any housing opportunities before signing a contract.

Plan Ahead and Take the Stress Out of Travel Nurse Housing

Don’t wait until the last minute to get ready for your travel nurse assignment. Prepare for your interview, research the city you’ll be staying in, and work with your recruiter to find a vacation rental or other housing option that meets your needs.