Travel Nurse Housing in North Carolina: Best Rentals, Furnished Options & 2025 Tips

Starting a new travel nursing assignment in North Carolina can be exciting, but finding the right travel nurse housing in North Carolina when your traveling to an unfamiliar city can be stressful. Where will you live? How much will it cost? Is it safe? These are common concerns for travel nurses everywhere.

At Advantis Medical, we’ve supported thousands of clinicians with housing solutions that match their needs and priorities. With over 700 5-star reviews and a reputation as the #1 travel nurse agency, we’re more than your job source—we’re your partner in making each assignment smooth and rewarding.

North Carolina offers more than just top-tier hospitals. From the up-beat energy of Charlotte, Concord, and Winston-Salem to the laid-back mountain towns like Asheville, it’s a state full of opportunity. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to secure safe, affordable, fully furnished housing—plus tips on stipends, short-term rentals, and how to stretch your paycheck. Wherever you land, Advantis Medical is here to help you feel at home.

What Every Travel Nurse Should Know About Housing in North Carolina

The rental market in North Carolina varies based on the city, season, and local population needs. Larger cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, and Durham offer more choices, but they tend to have slightly higher rental prices. The rental market in smaller towns and rural areas has fewer choices but often lower rental prices.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when searching for short-term rentals in North Carolina:

• Security Deposits & Background Checks: Most leases require a security deposit (often one month’s rent) and a background check.
• Utilities: Make sure to clarify what utilities are included in the rent. Water, electricity, and Wi-Fi aren’t always included in base rent. North Carolina can experience warm, humid summers and mild winters, so understanding HVAC costs is important.
• Furnished Options: Many rentals, especially outside major cities, are unfurnished. Prioritize listings that say “furnished” or use housing websites specifically for medical professionals looking for furnished housing in North Carolina for travel nurses.
• Short-Term Lease Fees: For contracts under 12 months, some landlords or property management companies may charge an additional short-term lease fee. Always ask upfront.

How Housing Choices Affect Your Real Take-Home Pay in North Carolina

Instead of focusing on weekly pay, which can vary widely by specialty, facility, and region, it’s more helpful for travel nurses to focus on the overall cost of living and, most importantly, housing costs. In North Carolina, rent can eat up a big chunk of your income if you’re not strategic with your travel nurse housing in North Carolina.

Your real take-home pay is what’s left after all your living expenses: rent, utilities, transportation, and daily costs. That’s why finding quality, affordable travel nurse housing in North Carolina is one of the smartest financial moves you can make. By choosing your housing wisely, you can increase the amount of money you have left over each month.

According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), the cost of living in North Carolina is 98.7% of the national average. Housing costs run approximately 14% below the national average, while utilities are 2% lower than typical U.S. expenses. Healthcare costs are generally higher than the national average, about 4%, and transportation costs are 5% less than the national average. Budgeting for these varying costs is key to maximizing your income.

Cost of Living in North Carolina

Category	% Compared to National Average	Difference from National Average
Overall	98.7%	-1.3%
Housing	86%	-14%
Utilities	98%	-2%
Healthcare	104%	+4%
Transportation	95%	-5%

Information from Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC) as of June 2025.

Travel Nurse Housing in Charlotte, NC: Costs, Tips & Top Areas

Charlotte is North Carolina’s largest city and a major hotspot for travel nurses. Here are some tips for travel nurse housing in Charlotte:

• Average Costs in Charlotte: The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Charlotte is around $1,647/month as of 2025. Furnished travel nurse housing in Charlotte can often range higher depending on the neighborhood, amenities, and proximity to hospitals. 
• Top Areas for Travel Nurses in Charlotte:
  • Uptown (Center City): Ideal for those wanting to be in the heart of the action, close to major hospitals like Atrium Health and Novant. It’s walkable with plenty of dining, entertainment, and public transit.
  • South End: Trendy and vibrant, with a mix of apartments and townhomes, breweries, and direct light rail access to Uptown. Popular with young professionals.
  • Myers Park/Eastover: Upscale, safe areas with beautiful homes and apartments, offering a quieter feel while still being a short drive to medical centers.
  • Ballantyne: A master-planned community in south Charlotte, offering a suburban feel with amenities, good for those seeking a bit more space.
• Pro Tip for Charlotte Housing: Utilize platforms like Furnished Finder or Airbnb and filter by “Near Hospital” or “public transit access” to minimize commute time and costs, especially if you don’t have a car.

Regional Housing Cost Breakdown for Travel Nurses in North Carolina

Rental prices vary a lot across North Carolina. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you budget for travel nurse housing in North Carolina:

City/Area	Average 1-Bedroom Rent (approx.)	Notes
Charlotte	$1,647/month	Largest city, major healthcare hub, higher costs, but diverse opportunities.
Raleigh	$1,592/month	Capital city, part of the Research Triangle, strong healthcare sector, competitive market.
Durham	$1,637/month	City of Medicine, home to Duke University, is part of the Research Triangle and has costs similar to Raleigh.
Asheville	$1,347/month	Mountain city, growing healthcare, known for arts and outdoors, more affordable than major metros.
Wilmington	$1,427/month	Coastal city, popular for travel nurses, with a warmer climate and a varied rental market.
Winston-Salem/Greensboro	$992 – $1,039/month	Part of the Triad region, more budget-friendly than Charlotte/Raleigh/Durham, good healthcare facilities.
Rural Areas	$750-$1,000/month	Lowest costs, but limited amenities and furnished options; a car is often essential. Exact prices vary widely by specific location.

Source

Data Source: RentCafe, as of May 2025. Prices for furnished or short-term rentals may be higher.

Key Cost Drivers:

• Lease Length: Longer stays (e.g., 6+ months) often have lower monthly rent than 13-week contracts.
• Seasonal Demand: Prices can fluctuate during college semesters (especially in university towns like Chapel Hill or Greenville) or popular tourist seasons (e.g., summer along the coast, fall foliage in the mountains).
• Pets: Pet-friendly housing often has additional fees (deposits, monthly pet rent).

Transportation and Commute for Travel Nurses in North Carolina

In cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, and Durham, public transportation exists, but outside these hubs, most travel nurses will find they need a car to get around.

Tip: If you’re bringing or renting a car, always make sure your rental has parking, or check for street parking rules and costs, as this can be a hidden expense. 

If you plan to rely on public transportation to get from your housing to the hospital, it’s important to know which public transit systems serve your area and how accessible they are to your facility.

Top Transit Systems (Limited to Major Cities):

• CATS (Charlotte Area Transit System – Charlotte): Charlotte’s public transit includes a light rail system (LYNX Blue Line) and an extensive bus network. Essential for navigating Charlotte without a car.
• GoTriangle (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill): This regional system connects the major cities of the Research Triangle, with local bus services also available in each city (GoRaleigh, GoDurham, Chapel Hill Transit).

Agency-Provided Housing vs Housing Stipend: Maximizing Your Income & Flexibility

Looking for travel nurse housing in North Carolina is different for travel nurses who receive an untaxed housing stipend versus those who get agency-provided housing. Unlike agency-provided housing, this housing stipend allows you to find your own housing. This gives you more flexibility and can actually increase your “real take-home pay” if you find housing that is cheaper than the provided stipend. 

Agency-Provided Housing

• How it Works: Your travel nurse agency provides your housing for you. You move into a pre-arranged apartment or other lodging.
• Pros:
  • Ready to Move In: Often fully furnished with utilities included, you can just move in.
  • Financial Predictability: Housing costs are covered by the agency, so you don’t have to worry about hidden fees or fluctuating rents.
• Cons:
  • Less Control: You have less say in the location, amenities, or decor of your housing. The agency chooses what may not align with your preferences (e.g., proximity to friends, specific gym access).
  • Lower “Real” Take-Home Pay: While it seems “free,” the cost of agency-placed housing is built into your overall compensation package. By taking this option, you forgo the tax-free housing stipend, which means a larger portion of your pay becomes taxable income and reduces your overall net earnings.

Housing Stipend: Your Path to Flexibility and Savings

• How it Works: Instead of providing housing directly, your agency gives you a tax-free housing stipend (a set amount of money) on top of your taxable hourly wage. You then find and pay for your own housing using this stipend.
• Pros:
  • Maximum Control & Flexibility: You choose where you live, what type of housing, and what amenities you want. 
  • Potential for Big Savings & Higher “Real” Take-Home Pay: This is the best part. If you find housing that costs less than your non-taxable amount stipend, you get to keep the difference. This is tax-free, so it’s like an extra paycheck. Many travel nurses choose assignments in areas with lower housing costs to maximize this benefit.
  • Customized to Your Lifestyle: You can find housing that fits your needs, whether it’s pet-friendly, has a specific gym, is in a certain neighborhood, or allows roommates to further cut costs.
  • Ownership of Your Housing Experience: You negotiate directly, read reviews, and ensure the property meets your standards so you’ll have a better stay.
• Cons:
  • More Work: The entire housing search, negotiation, and payment process is on you. This takes time and effort.
  • Upfront Costs: You’ll pay security deposits, rent for the first month, application fees, and utility setups.
  • Risk of Going Over Budget: If you can’t find housing within your stipend amount, the extra cost comes out of your pocket and erodes your savings.

Pro Tip: Many travel nurses prefer the stipend route because they can pocket extra money if they find housing below the stipend rate.

5 Short-Term Housing Options for Travel Nurses in North Carolina

Finding travel nurse housing in North Carolina means knowing what’s out there and what works for your assignment length, budget, and personal preferences. Here are the most common and effective short-term options:

1. Renting a House or Townhouse If space is a priority, renting a house or townhouse can be a big upgrade from smaller apartments.
   • Pros: More space, privacy, often a yard, feels like a “home away from home”. Good for extended stays or those with specific needs.
   • Cons: Typically more expensive and requires more responsibility (e.g., lawn care, minor repairs), and renter’s insurance may be required. Utilities are almost always separate.
   • Best for: Longer assignments (3+ months), travel nurses with families or pets, and those who want a quiet environment. Always clarify responsibilities like lawn maintenance and pest control with the landlord before signing your lease.
2. Renting an Apartment or Condo Many travel nurses choose apartments or condos; it’s a great balance between comfort and convenience and often a more affordable price point than a standalone house.
   • Pros: It often includes amenities, usually lower maintenance for the tenant, good security, and a variety of locations (urban to suburban). Many complexes are used for short-term leases.
   • Cons: Less privacy than a house, potential for noise from neighbors, and parking may be an extra cost.
   • Best for: Short to mid-length assignments (1-6 months), those who want a mix of community and personal space, and access to building amenities. If your contract changes, read your lease carefully, especially the early termination clause.
3. Renting a Room or Shared Living If you’re on a very short-term contract, want maximum flexibility, or are on a tight budget, renting a room in a shared house or apartment can be cost-effective. This option can give you a comfortable “landing spot” without the full commitment of a lease, and you can save more of your housing stipend.
   • Pros: Cheapest option, high flexibility, and an opportunity to meet new people (often other travel nurses or locals).
   • Cons: Less privacy, shared common spaces (kitchen, bathroom), and potential for different schedules with housemates (especially important for night shift nurses).
   • Best for: Short assignments (weeks to 1-2 months), budget-conscious nurses, those who don’t anticipate spending much time at home. Discussing house rules and schedules upfront is crucial to ensure compatibility and minimize disruptions to your rest.
4. Extended-Stay Hotels Extended-stay hotels offer private rooms, often with kitchenettes, and services like regular housekeeping, on-site laundry, and sometimes even complimentary breakfast. They are great short-term rentals for travel nurses in a pinch or for very short assignments.
   • Pros: All-inclusive utilities, no lease commitments, housekeeping, usually pet-friendly, immediate availability, privacy.
   • Cons: It can be more expensive for longer stays, limited space compared to apartments, and lacks a “homey” feel.
   • Best for: Initial arrival, very short assignments (e.g., 2-4 weeks), temporary housing while searching for a more permanent solution, or travel nurses who travel light and prefer to spend less time “at home” and more time exploring their new surroundings.
5. Furnished Rentals: Furnished housing in North Carolina for travel nurses takes away the daunting task of buying, renting, or moving furniture to and from each assignment.
   • Pros: Ready to move in, no furniture costs, utilities often included, flexible lease terms (perfect for 13-week contracts), reduces stress, and allows you to pocket more of your stipend.
   • Cons: Slightly more expensive than unfurnished options, decor might not be to your taste, and can be competitive in high-demand areas.
   • Best for: All travel nurses, especially those on standard 13-week contracts, who want maximum convenience and minimal hassle while maximizing their housing stipend.

Where to Find Short-Term & Furnished Rentals for Travel Nurses in North Carolina

Once you decide to take on the housing search yourself (with a stipend), you’ll find a lot of websites and platforms you can use to find short-term rentals for travel nurses in North Carolina.

Advantis Medical Bonus: When you work with Advantis Medical, our in-house housing support team is here to help! Decide your top housing priorities, like commute time, pet-friendly units, or budget, and our advisors will find the perfect match. Learn more about our housing help on our Benefits Page, where you’ll also find a helpful video explaining our support.

Here are the top websites to explore for finding travel nurse housing in North Carolina:

1. Furnished Finder:
   • Pros: Built for travel nurses. You can filter by city, price, amenities, and hospital proximity. Landlords list properties with nurses in mind, often with flexible leases and an understanding of nurse schedules. An excellent resource for travel nurses looking for furnished housing in North Carolina.
   • Tips: High chance of finding suitable, affordable, and flexible options. Many properties are already vetted for travel nurse needs, so your search will be more efficient and trustworthy.
2. Airbnb:
   • Pros: Good for a wide variety of unique rentals (condos, houses, private rooms), highly searchable with filters for length of stay, amenities, and instant booking. Ideal for true short-term (under 3 months) or monthly stays.
   • Tips: Look for “monthly discounts” offered by hosts. Read reviews carefully, especially those from other long-term guests. Message hosts directly to ask about travel nurse discounts or flexibility.
3. Vrbo:
   • Pros: Similar to Airbnb but more focused on vacation rentals (whole homes, apartments). Good for longer stays, especially if you’re looking for a house or a larger apartment. Often, Vrbo has a slightly different inventory.
   • Tips: It can be more limited for long-term (3+ months) options compared to Airbnb, but it is always worth checking. Filters similar to Airbnb.
4. Apartments.com & Zillow:
   • Pros: Primarily for traditional long-term rentals but increasingly offer filters for “furnished” and “short-term lease” or “corporate housing.” Comprehensive listings from apartment complexes and private landlords.
   • Tips: Use the advanced search filters for “furnished,” “short-term,” or “flexible lease terms.” You may need to call specific apartment complexes directly to ask about their travel nurse programs or corporate rates, as not all options are listed online.
5. Homestay.com:
   • Pros: It specializes in room rentals within someone’s home, often at a very affordable rate. Good if you’re looking for a room to rent during your travel nursing jobs in North Carolina and want to save big on your housing costs.
   • Tips: Great for very short-term contracts or if you’re on a tighter budget and don’t mind sharing common spaces. You can search by length of stay, location, and price range.
6. Social Media Groups & Networking:
   • Pros: Facebook groups can connect you directly with landlords, other nurses looking for roommates, or current residents who know of available units. These often have hidden gems not found on larger sites.
   • Tips: While these groups can be helpful, always exercise caution.Never send money without a signed agreement and thorough verification.

Each of these sites, combined with the support of the Advantis Medical housing team, can help you find reliable travel nurse housing in North Carolina based on your preferences and budget so you can focus on your work and explore your new area.

Travel Nurse Housing in North Carolina: Safety Tips

Your safety and peace of mind are a top priority. When looking for travel nurse housing in North Carolina, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Read Reviews: Always check host or landlord reviews on platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, or Furnished Finder. Look for consistent positive reviews, especially about safety and responsiveness.
• Secure Payments: Use platforms with verified payment methods. Never send money via wire transfers, gift cards, or Zelle to unknown individuals, especially if they claim to be out of the country. Never pay through unverified links or Craigslist.
• Clarify All Terms: Understand your cancellation policy, move-in/move-out dates, and what happens if your assignment ends early or is extended. Get everything in writing.
• Lock and Location: Prioritize safe neighborhoods and well-lit properties. Make sure the rental unit has locks on all doors and windows. If possible, do a virtual tour or ask for current photos/videos to confirm the property’s condition and surroundings.
• Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t feel pressured into a rental that raises red flags.

A Travel Nurse Agency That Truly Cares

We pride ourselves on supporting travel nurses with more than just travel nursing opportunities. At Advantis Medical, we help you navigate housing decisions with confidence so you can find the best travel nurse housing in North Carolina for you.

Our team connects you with housing resources, helps you evaluate your stipend, and even shares nurse-tested recommendations to make your housing search seamless. With over 700 5-star reviews, we’ve earned our reputation for supporting travel nurses every step of the way, providing personalized Gold Standard service.

Whether you want one-on-one guidance from our dedicated housing team or prefer to go it alone with the flexibility of a housing stipend, our recruiters are here to make it easy. We ensure all advice, resources, and connections are enhanced when paired with Advantis Medical’s unique support.

Start your next adventure today with high-paying travel nurse jobs and see what’s possible with Advantis Medical!

FAQs – Travel Nurse Housing in North Carolina