You’re a travel nurse, scrolling through job postings, and your eyes land on a $3,000 weekly rate job posting and your heart skips a beat. Visions of adventure, new experiences, big savings, and financial freedom dance in your head.
But here’s the truth: the highest weekly rate doesn’t always mean the highest take-home pay. What if the best-kept secret in travel nursing isn’t about chasing the biggest number, but about the ability to keep more of what you earn?
We’re pulling back the curtain on how travel nurse pay really works in 2025. From housing stipends and tax-free perks to the impact of cost of living, we’ll show you how to calculate your true net income, so you can make smarter, more rewarding career moves.
How Travel Nurse Pay Works
Every travel nurse knows the thrill of seeing a high weekly rate. It’s like hitting the jackpot—but what’s actually inside the number?
Before you start packing your bags, let’s pull back the curtain and see what’s actually included in that number.
Your gross weekly pay is made up of several parts:
- Base Pay (taxable): The hourly rate that forms the foundation of your salary
- Housing Stipend (non-taxable): Helps cover rent or housing accommodations
- Meals & Incidentals (M&I) (non-taxable): Covers food and daily expenses
- Bonuses: May include a sign-on or completion bonus, usually prorated
Base Rate: Your Salary Foundation
The base rate is the hourly wage you earn for the hours you work. It’s the foundation of your pay package and the only part that’s always taxable. Your tax burden will be directly tied to this number.
The base rate helps you accurately calculate your overtime pay and the actual value of any extra shifts you might work.
Housing Stipend: A Premium Perk
Let’s talk about one of the biggest perks in your travel nurse pay, the housing stipend. The housing benefit pays for your lodging while you’re out making a difference.
And here’s the best part: if you meet the eligibility rules, the stipend is non-taxable, which means more cash stays in your pocket.
You have to have a permanent tax home somewhere else—usually where you have financial ties, like a mortgage or a long-term lease. Keeping your tax home solid lets you claim the housing stipend legally and keep those extra dollars tax-free.
So, before you sign that next contract, double-check your status and make sure you’re set up to take full advantage. Focus on finding housing in the perfect place to recharge after a long shift.
Meals & Incidentals (M&I): Daily Living Support
The M&I stipend pays for food and other daily expenses. Like the housing stipend, this is usually non-taxable if you qualify. It pays the extra costs of living away from your permanent residence. Always calculate your M&I when you budget.
Completion Bonus: The Cherry on Top
Some assignments offer a completion bonus as an incentive. While it looks appealing, keep in mind these perks are given out over time, not all at once.
Carefully check contract terms, payout schedule and eligibility requirements, like meeting performance metrics or working a certain number of hours.
Average Weekly Pay Breakdown (2025):
- Base Pay: $20–$50/hour (taxable)
- Housing Stipend: $700–$3,000/month (non-taxable)
- M&I Stipend: $250–$400/week (non-taxable)
- Completion Bonus: $500–$2,000 (spread over contract)
Pro Tip: Always ask for a written breakdown of your pay package. Some agencies roll stipends into the weekly number, making offers look more generous than they are. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification on any part of the pay package you don’t understand.
Cost of Living and Net Pay for Travel Nurses
The Cost of Living Trap: How It Shrinks Your Paycheck
Where you work can drastically impact how much you keep.
Even with a high weekly rate, sky-high rent and living costs can drain your paycheck faster than expected. That’s why COL should be a key factor in contract decisions.
Cost of Living Index 101:
Cost of Living (COL) indices compare the relative cost of goods and services in different areas. The national average is 100. Cities above 100 are more expensive; those below are more affordable.
| City | COL Index | Avg. 1BR Rent | Notes |
| San Francisco, CA | 179 | $3,600 | Rent can wipe out stipends |
| New York, NY | 187 | $4,750 | Highest rent in the U.S. |
| Dallas, TX | 101 | $1,580 | Balanced cost + good pay |
| Omaha, NE | 90 | $1,100 | Budget-friendly Midwest life |
| Birmingham, AL | 89 | $950 | Low rent = high savings |
Source
Data source from AdvisorSmith as of April 2025.
Bottom line: High pay doesn’t always equal high savings. A $2,700 job in Dallas might stretch further than a $3,200 job in Manhattan.
Top 10 Highest Paying States for Travel Nurses (2025)
Chasing the highest pay? These states are leading the pack in average annual salaries for travel nurses this year:
| Rank | State | Avg. Annual Salary |
| 1 | California | $127,300 |
| 2 | Massachusetts | $101,400 |
| 3 | Oregon | $100,400 |
| 4 | Washington | $98,200 |
| 5 | Alaska | $100,000 |
| 6 | Hawaii | $107,000 |
| 7 | Connecticut | $94,900 |
| 8 | New Jersey | $94,700 |
| 9 | New York | $94,500 |
| 10 | Rhode Island | $93,200 |
Source
Data sourced from Indeed and ZipRecruiter, averaged across platforms as of April 2025.
Don’t let those salaries fool you. In many of these states, the cost of living, especially housing costs, can quickly cut into your take-home pay.
High-Pay, High-Cost Cities to Watch
Let’s take a closer look at what you’re up against in some of the top-paying areas:
| City | Avg. Rent (1BR) |
| New York City (Manhattan) | $4,750 |
| San Francisco, CA | $3,600 |
| Seattle, WA | $2,190 |
| Dallas, TX | $1,580 |
| Houston, TX | $1,380 |
| Birmingham, AL | $950 |
Source
Rental data from Zumper, April 2025.
Takeaway: In cities like Manhattan and San Francisco, rent alone can take up your entire housing stipend, and then some.
Low Cost-of-Living States: Where Your Pay Goes Further
Now, flip the script and explore states and cities where travel nurse net pay stretches further, even if the gross pay isn’t the highest.
Texas: High Value, No State Income Tax
Travel nurse jobs in Texas offer urban excitement and affordable living. Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio offer lower rents and no state income tax. Find a comfortable apartment for less, and pocket more of your weekly paycheck.
The Midwest: A Budget-Friendly Choice
States like Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas offer some of the lowest COLs in the U.S. Your weekly pay may be slightly less, but your expenses are dramatically lower which is ideal for building savings.
The Midwest has a relaxed life and a strong sense of community, which appeals to many travel nurses looking for a change of scenery.
The Southeast: Southern Comfort
States like Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia offer travel nurses budget-friendly lifestyles, warm climates, and strong community vibes. You’ll find affordable housing, delicious Southern cooking, and a laid-back atmosphere.
Detailed Look at Low COL States:
| State | Avg. Weekly Pay | Avg. Rent (1BR) | COL Index | Affordable Cities |
| Texas | $2,300–$2,700 | $1,300–$1,500 | 92 | Houston, San Antonio, Austin |
| Nebraska | $2,500 | $1,100 | 90 | Omaha, Lincoln |
| Alabama | $2,400 | $950 | 89 | Birmingham, Mobile |
| Ohio | $2,450 | $1,000 | 91 | Columbus, Cincinnati |
Source
Average weekly pay, rent, and cost of living data were compiled from travel nursing industry reports and cost of living indexes from April 2025. Actual figures may vary based on specific location and individual circumstances.
The Net Pay Equation: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to calculate your real net pay? Follow these steps:
- Start with Your Weekly Gross Pay: Get the full breakdown from your agency.
- Subtract Taxes: Only the base rate is taxable. Use online calculators for estimates.
- Deduct Housing: Research average rents for your city and neighborhood.
- Estimate Transportation: Public transit or car? Don’t forget parking, tolls, and insurance.
- Budget Everyday Expenses: Use city-specific data for groceries, utilities, and more.
- Calculate Net Savings: Subtract all expenses from your gross pay.
Let’s break it down. Here’s how your net pay might look in three major cities:
| Location | Weekly Pay | Monthly Gross | Rent | Other Costs | Est. Net Savings |
| New York, NY | $3,000 | $12,000 | $4,750 | $1,500 | $5,750 |
| Dallas, TX | $2,700 | $10,800 | $1,580 | $1,000 | $8,220 |
| Honolulu, HI | $2,800 | $11,200 | $2,390 | $1,200 | $7,610 |
Even though Dallas offers a lower gross pay, the significantly lower living costs give you more take-home pay. That’s the power of strategic contract selection.
Beyond the Numbers: 6 Questions to Ask Before You Sign
Don’t be afraid to ask your recruiter the tough questions. They’re there to help you make informed decisions. The more informed you are, the better.
- “What’s the average rent for travel nurses in this area?”
- “Is there agency-provided housing?”
- “What’s the local cost of living?”
- “Can you connect me with travel nurses in this city?”
- “What are the tax implications of the stipend package?”
- “Does this area have local taxes?”
6 Pro Tips for More Net Pay
The most successful travel nurses aren’t just chasing the highest weekly pay—they’re calculating, comparing, and choosing opportunities that leave them with more at the end of the month.
They’re always thinking one step ahead. Don’t let a flashy number distract you from what really counts: your net savings and your quality of life.
Want to supercharge your savings and make your take-home pay seriously shine? We’ve got 6 insider tips to help you live large without blowing your budget.
- Off-Season Adventures: Think about hitting those locations when everyone else isn’t. Shoulder seasons mean sweet deals on rent and lower prices on everything from plane tickets to that cute coffee shop down the street.
- Furnished and Fabulous: Who wants to shell out a ton of cash on furniture they’ll only use for a few months? Snag a furnished apartment and save money for experiences or your savings account.
- Free Fun Zone: Explore your new city like a local. Parks, free museums, community events, and hiking trails won’t cost you a dime.
- Enjoy Cooking: Eating out is fun, but it’s a budget buster. Embrace your inner chef, meal prep like a boss, and watch money pile up.
- Healthcare Hero Discounts: Did you know many retailers and businesses offer discounts to healthcare professionals? Ask around, flash your ID, and reap the rewards.
- Track It to Stack It: Use a budgeting app or a simple spreadsheet to see where your money is going.
Ready to make your next assignment your smartest AND most rewarding yet? Crunch those numbers, ask the right questions, and partner with a recruiter who understands the financial side of things.
A Travel Nurse Agency That Truly Cares
We take great pride in supporting travel nurses with more than just top travel nursing jobs—we’re building trusted, long-term partnerships that make your journey smoother, more rewarding, and stress-free. With over 700 5-star reviews and dozens of real nurse testimonials sharing their experiences, we’ve earned our reputation as the #1 travel nurse agency.
Our Advantis Gold Standard ensures you receive personalized support, exclusive travel job opportunities, and a level of care designed to put you first. Whether you want one-on-one guidance from a Pro Recruiter or prefer to explore travel jobs on your own, we’re here to make it easy. Start your next adventure today—explore high-paying travel nurse jobs and discover what’s possible!
