Travel Nurse Housing in Pennsylvania: Short-Term Rentals, Furnished Options & Pro Tips (2025)

Travel nurses starting their assignments in Pennsylvania experience excitement but struggle with the process of finding suitable housing in their new location. Where will you live? How much will it cost? Is it safe? Travel nurses constantly ask these questions.

The housing solutions provided by Advantis Medical have assisted thousands of clinicians in finding accommodations that match their requirements. Advantis Medical stands as the #1 travel nurse agency and maintains 700 5-star reviews because we provide services beyond job placement to become your complete assignment support system.

Pennsylvania offers more than excellent hospitals to its residents. The state offers an energetic blend of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Allentown and Harrisburg, and the serene Dutch Country region. The guide provides complete information for obtaining secure and affordable, fully furnished housing and advice about stipends, short-term rentals, and ways to maximize your financial resources. Advantis Medical provides support to help you feel at home regardless of your assignment location.

What Every Travel Nurse Should Know About Housing in Pennsylvania

Your understanding of Pennsylvania’s housing market should begin before you prepare for your move. The rental market in Pennsylvania shows significant differences based on the city location, seasonal conditions, and local population needs. The rental market in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg offers more choices, but these cities demand higher rental prices. The rental market in smaller towns and rural areas provides fewer choices but lower rental prices.

Travel nurses should keep in mind the following essential information when searching for short-term rentals in Pennsylvania:

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 are not always part of the base rent. Given Pennsylvania’s cold winters, confirming heating costs and functionality is a must.
• Furnished Options: Many rentals, especially outside major cities, are unfurnished. Prioritize listings that say “furnished” or use platforms specifically for medical professionals looking for furnished housing in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania

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

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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania is 98.2% of the national average, making it slightly below the national average. Housing costs in Pennsylvania are 1.3% lower than the national average. However, utilities are 7.7% higher than the national average, and groceries are 2.9% higher than the national average, so budgeting for those is key.

5 Short-Term Housing Options for Travel Nurses in Pennsylvania

Finding travel nurse housing in Pennsylvania 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. This option gives you more privacy, often a yard, and can be perfect for travel nurses with a family, a pet, or those who just like having room to spread out.

• Pros: More space, privacy, often a yard, feels like a “home away from home”. Good for extended stays or those with specific needs.
• Cons: It may be 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 residential 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. These units usually have amenities like fitness centers, swimming pools, communal workspaces, and enhanced security, making them a popular choice for travel nurse housing in Pennsylvania.

• 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 are a hassle-free option perfect for travel nurses who value simplicity and built-in amenities. These 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

Often considered the gold standard for travel nurses, furnished housing in Pennsylvania for travel nurses eliminates the daunting task of buying, renting, or moving furniture and essential household items. You can literally walk in and move in. Most furnished accommodations come with kitchen supplies, bedding, basic utilities, and sometimes even Wi-Fi, so you can focus on your work and explore your new city.

• Pros: Ready to move in, no furniture costs, utilities often include 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.

Travel Nurse Housing in Philadelphia: Costs, Tips & Top Areas

Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania and a hot spot for travel nurses. It has world-class hospitals, tons of history and culture, and one of the highest rental markets in the state. Understanding travel nurse housing in Philadelphia is key to a successful assignment here.

Average Costs in Philadelphia: The median for a one-bedroom apartment in Philadelphia is about $1,700–$1,900/month, but finding furnished travel nurse housing in Philadelphia can often range from $2,000 to $3,000+ per month for a one-bedroom depending on the neighborhood, amenities and how close it is to a hospital or SEPTA station. Your goal is to find something comfortable that leaves room in your stipend for savings.

Top Areas for Travel Nurses in Philadelphia:

• Center City: Very walkable and highly convenient for major hospitals like Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Penn Medicine, and Hahnemann University Hospital. Lots of apartments, dining, and entertainment, but it can be pricier and busier.
• University City: Home to the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University, this area is dense with medical facilities and student housing. Convenient for those working at Penn Medicine or CHOP (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia).
• Graduate Hospital / Rittenhouse: Upscale, safe areas with beautiful brownstones and apartments close to Rittenhouse Square and major medical centers. More residential feel with urban conveniences.
• Fishtown / Northern Liberties: Trendy, revitalized neighborhoods north of Center City known for their art scene, restaurants, and bars. More of a younger demographic and good access to public transit.

Pro Tip for Philadelphia Housing: Use platforms like Furnished Finder or Airbnb and filter by “Near Hospital” or “SEPTA access” to cut commute time and potentially reduce transportation costs, especially if parking is not included with your rental. Philadelphia’s public transit (SEPTA) is extensive and can be a lifesaver if you don’t have a car. When working with Advantis Medical, your housing advisor can also verify listings and provide you with trusted housing leads specific to your Philadelphia assignment.

Regional Housing Cost Breakdown for Travel Nurses in Pennsylvania

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

City/Area	Average 1-Bedroom Rent	Notes
Philadelphia	$1,700–$1,900/month	Highest costs, but a major medical hub with diverse opportunities.
Pittsburgh	$1,450/month	Second largest city, strong healthcare sector, more affordable than Philly.
Harrisburg	$1,350/month	State capital, mid-sized city with growing healthcare, and good value.
Scranton	$1,150/month	Northeastern PA, lower cost of living, smaller city feel.
Rural Areas	$950-$1,100/month	Lowest costs, but limited amenities and furnished options; a car is often essential.

Data Source

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

Key Cost Drivers:

• Seasonal Demand: Prices fluctuate during college semesters (especially near university towns), popular tourist seasons (e.g., summer in Philadelphia, fall foliage statewide), or major sporting/cultural events. Consider the arts and culture scene in Pittsburgh and how it impacts local demand.
• Pets: Pet-friendly housing often has additional fees (deposits, monthly pet rent).
• Lease Length: Longer stays (e.g., 6+ months) often have lower monthly rent than 13-week contracts.

Transportation and Commute for Travel Nurses in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has urban areas and rural landscapes. In cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, public transportation is robust. Still, outside those hubs, most travel nurses will find they need to drive their personal vehicle for their commute and get around the state. Always make sure your rental has parking, or check for street parking rules and costs, as this can be a hidden expense, especially in urban areas like Allentown or Harrisburg.

Top Transit Systems (Limited to Major Cities):

• SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority – Philadelphia): Philadelphia’s public transit system includes subway, elevated trains, regional rail, trolleys, and buses. It is essential for getting around Philly without a car and a big factor for travel nurse housing in Philadelphia.
• Port Authority of Allegheny County (Pittsburgh): Pittsburgh’s public transit system, including buses and the “T” light rail. Serves Pittsburgh and surrounding Allegheny County.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have a car or don’t want to drive daily, prioritize travel nurse housing in Pennsylvania within walking distance of your facility or directly on a robust public transit route. Many travel nurses choose to live very close to their hospital to reduce commute stress, save on gas, and maximize their rest between shifts. Your Advantis Medical recruiter can help you find convenient assignments to minimize your commute.

Agency Placed Housing vs Housing Stipend: Maximizing Your Income & Flexibility

When looking for travel nurse housing in Pennsylvania, you have two options from your agency, Advantis Medical: agency-placed housing or a housing stipend. While agency-placed housing is convenient, taking a housing stipend and finding your own housing often gives you more flexibility and can increase your “real take-home pay” significantly.

 Agency Placed Housing

• How it Works: Your travel nurse agency finds and secures your housing for you. You move into a pre-arranged apartment or other lodging.
• Pros:
  • Convenience & Simplicity: A big stress reliever. You don’t have to spend time searching, negotiating, or dealing with landlords. This is especially helpful for new travel nurses or those with very little time.
  • 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.
• Pros:
  • Maximum Control & Flexibility: You choose where you live, what type of housing, and what amenities you want. This allows you to truly get immersed in your new location and find a place that feels like home.
  • 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 stipend amount, 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 choose the stipend route because they can pocket extra money if they find housing below the stipend rate. This guide is designed to help you do just that: find travel nurse housing in Pennsylvania that fits your lifestyle and helps you keep more of your money. By using the information and resources here and with the guidance of your Advantis Medical recruiter, you can navigate the housing market in Pennsylvania, find quality and affordable options, and truly maximize your tax-free housing stipend.

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

Once you decide to take on the housing search yourself (with a stipend), you’ll find many reliable websites and platforms for short-term rentals for travel nurses in Pennsylvania.

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 platforms to consider for travel nurse housing in Pennsylvania:

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 Pennsylvania.
• 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, Airbnb has a slightly different inventory.
• Tips: It can be more limited for very 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, offering a unique cultural experience at often very affordable rates. Good if you’re looking for a room to rent during your travel nursing jobs in Pennsylvania 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. If you’re part of an Advantis Medical assignment, check with your recruiter or housing advisor before relying solely on outside posts or recommendations. Advantis Medical can help verify listings and provide you with trusted housing leads so you can have peace of mind. 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 Pennsylvania based on your preferences and budget so you can focus on your work and explore your new area.

Travel Nurse Housing in Pennsylvania: Safety Tips

Your safety and peace of mind are a top priority. When looking for travel nurse housing in Pennsylvania, 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. Remember, Advantis Medical can help you verify listings and give you trusted housing leads.

A Travel Nurse Agency That Truly Cares

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