Navigating housing options can be one of the more challenging aspects of travel nursing, particularly for those new to the field. While many advise first-time travelers to opt for agency-provided housing for its simplicity, it’s not the only path. It’s crucial for nurses to make a housing choice that best suits their needs.
In this guide, we’ll demystify the choice between agency-provided housing and a travel nurse housing stipend, helping you make an informed decision. Does travel nursing pay for housing?
Do Travel Nurses Get Housing?
Technically, no. You can choose between agency-provided housing or a travel nurse housing stipend. Either way, you’re paying for housing. Even when an agency promotes “free housing it just means they will deduct that amount from your total pay.
Let’s break down a travel nurse housing stipend so you can decide which option is best for you.
What is a Travel Nurse Housing Stipend
Most agencies offer travel nurses a housing stipend to cover their housing while on assignment. This is calculated as part of your compensation package. You won’t get a housing stipend if you choose to take agency-provided housing.
Like bill rates (the total amount a hospital and agency agree upon), stipends will depend on the region, facility, nursing specialty, and demand. Your travel nurse housing stipend may be offered weekly or monthly.
Most travel agencies like Advantis Medical Staffing provide a “break-down of your pay which lists your compensation package line-by-line. (If your recruiter doesn’t provide this up front, ask for it).
The Benefit of a Housing Stipend
Remember that your travel nurse housing stipend is not taxed, unlike your hourly pay. Some nurses balk at a low hourly rate but fail to consider a sizable stipend. You need to consider your entire pay package, the hourly base rate, housing stipend, meals and incidentals (M&I), and any benefits you opt for (health insurance, etc.) to determine if the package is best for you.
Let’s try an example. You receive a $2,500 monthly travel nurse housing stipend, which you will receive weekly, $625. With a stipend, you can choose cheaper housing, which will increase your weekly take-home pay. If you secure housing for $2,200 per month, you pocket an extra $300 for expenses.
Agency-provided housing takes this variable out of the equation.
Qualifying for a Travel Nurse Housing Stipend
Does travel nursing pay for housing? Not every nurse is eligible for a housing stipend. This is where it can get confusing, and nurses can get themselves into (tax) trouble. A travel nurse housing stipend is only applicable when you have a tax home, are traveling away from that tax home for work, and are incurring housing expenses while away from your tax home.
In other words, the travel nurse housing stipend is based on your duplicating expenses. It is not meant to be 100% profit and is illegal to accept if you are not using it for its intended purpose. If you aren’t sure if you qualify for a travel nurse housing stipend, discuss it further with your recruiter or a tax professional.
Travel Nurse Housing Options: Simplifying Your Search
Selecting the right travel nurse housing options can be a pivotal part of your journey, balancing comfort, convenience, and cost. For those leaning toward furnished travel nurse housing, the allure is undeniable. These ready-to-live-in spaces offer the ultimate convenience, freeing you from the burdens of moving furniture or household items.
Whether it’s an apartment or a private home, having a place that feels like home from day one is invaluable, especially after long shifts at the hospital.
For travel nurses eyeing monthly furnished rentals, the appeal lies in flexibility and the taste of local living. These accommodations cater to your need for a comfortable living space and offer the freedom to explore different neighborhoods or housing styles.
Plus, with the strategic use of housing stipends, you can manage housing costs effectively, making these options both practical and financially savvy.
Whether you’re drawn to the simplicity of agency-provided housing or the autonomy of choosing your own space, understanding your housing options is key to a fulfilling travel nursing experience.
The Benefit of Agency-Provided Housing
Some nurses enjoy not having to worry about the housing aspect and let their agency’s housing department secure a short-term rental. These are often apartment complexes or extended-stay hotels.
Housing can be hard to find in rural areas or ridiculously expensive in cities. Agency-provided housing takes the hassle out of searching with better rates. The largest benefit to agency-provided housing is that you are protected if your assignment gets canceled. This happens from time to time.
On the other hand, agency housing options may seem modest. While you’ll have the essential basics like furniture, linens, and dishes, they don’t usually cover utilities, TV, or internet, so those are on you to connect and pay for.
How do Travel Nurses Find Housing
If you’ve decided the housing stipend is your route, you’re now responsible for finding and securing your new temporary home. It can seem daunting and time-consuming, but it’s also fun choosing a home away from home. Travel nurse housing can be booked online or offline. These are the resources travel nurses use most to locate housing:
1. Furnished Finder
This website is dedicated to travel nurses and other traveling professionals. The property owners understand most contracts are around 3 months long and require a minimum of a 30-day stay. These aren’t for quick weekend trips.
There is a mix of apartments, hotels, private rooms, and houses for rent. You can search for your specific area and budget and communicate directly with the property owner.
Pros: Choosing your living arrangement on a site trusted by nurses. Utilities, internet, and laundry are usually included. You can often live in style in rustic cabins, a contemporary city apartment, or with luxurious amenities like resort-style pools.
Cons: Scams happen on occasion. Travelers can request an Owner Verification Request to provide a report of the owner’s name and property details. If your assignment gets canceled, it’s up to you and the owner to work it out. Usually, a 30-day notice is required.
2. Airbnb
Most people are familiar with or have utilized Airbnb for vacations. I’ve used AirBnB for travel assignments and booked private rooms, garage lofts, condos, and mountain houses.
I’m lucky I’ve never had a poor experience and only excellent hosts. Hosts will often agree to a lower monthly rate if you contact them directly and tell them your situation (don’t ever tell them how much you make!) They can send you a private rate through messaging.
Pros: Choose housing you will feel comfortable in and treat your travel assignment like an adventure. All utilities should be included (always read the description and reviews or ask).
Cons: Cost. Airbnb’s fees have skyrocketed, making many housing situations unaffordable. Again, contact the host directly and negotiate a rate that works for both of you.
3. Extended-Stay Hotels
Certain hotels offer discounted weekly rates to travel nurses. Call and ask to speak to the hotel manager. They often offer reduced rates since a room booked for weeks is better than an empty one. I recommend a room with a kitchenette unless you prefer Chinese takeout and sandwiches for 3 months.
Pros: Free breakfast, housekeeping services, free Wi-Fi, and amenities like pools and fitness centers. You may also feel safer with a 24/7 front desk receptionist and doors only accessible with key cards.
Cons: Costs can sometimes be just as expensive if not more than apartments or Airbnb. Living in basically one room for months may make you a little crazy.
4. Facebook Groups
When in doubt, turn to the pros. Travel nurse Facebook groups often share reputable housing and areas to stay away from. Search Facebook for “Travel Nursing Housing and you’ll find multiple options with thousands of members sharing recommendations.
Pros: Insider knowledge on safe cities, legitimate hosts, hotel discount codes, and scams to be wary of.
Cons: Some property owners may still post scams that haven’t been validated. Never send anyone money directly through Facebook.
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FAQ – Do Travel Nurse Agencies Pay for Housing?
Do travel nurse agencies pay for housing?
Travel nurse agencies usually offer two options: agency-provided housing or a housing stipend. While it may seem like the agency “pays for housing,” it’s actually part of your compensation package. The cost of housing is either covered directly by the agency or given to you as a stipend to arrange your own.
Does travel nursing pay for housing or include a stipend?
Yes, travel nursing typically includes a housing component—either agency-provided housing or a tax-free housing stipend. If you opt for the stipend, you’re responsible for finding and securing your own housing.
Do travel nurses get free housing from agencies?
Not exactly. “Free housing” is a common term used, but the cost is deducted from your total compensation. Whether you choose the housing stipend or agency-provided housing, you’re ultimately covering the cost in some way.
How do travel nurses qualify for a housing stipend?
To qualify for a travel nurse housing stipend, you must have a valid tax home and be incurring duplicate housing expenses while on assignment. If you’re unsure of your tax home status, speak with a tax advisor or your recruiter.
How to decide between a housing stipend and agency housing?
It depends on your preferences and assignment location. If you prefer convenience and less hassle, agency-provided housing may be ideal. If flexibility, location control, or financial optimization is a priority, the stipend might be a better fit.
How do travel nurses find short-term housing on their own?
Many travel nurses use platforms like Furnished Finder, Airbnb, extended-stay hotels, or Facebook groups to secure short-term rentals. These options offer flexibility and variety, but it’s important to do your research to avoid scams and ensure comfort.
