Find Your Home Away From Home

Most experienced travel nurses prefer the stipend because it gives more control and often allows you to pocket the difference. However, agency housing eliminates the stress of finding a place, dealing with deposits, and furnishing. First-time travelers or those going to expensive cities may benefit from agency housing until they learn the process.

Never send money before verifying a listing. Use video calls to see the property in real time. Avoid listings that seem too good to be true in price. Pay through platforms that offer protection (like Furnished Finder or Airbnb) rather than direct wire transfers. Research the landlord and cross-check the address on Google Maps and Street View.

Start looking as soon as you have a confirmed contract, ideally 3-4 weeks before your start date. Popular cities fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Having your housing secured before you arrive reduces stress and lets you focus on your new assignment.

Housing stipends typically range from $1,500 to $3,500 per month depending on the city and facility. High cost-of-living areas like San Francisco or New York City may offer stipends above $4,000. The GSA per diem rates for each location set the tax-free maximum, and agencies base their stipends on these rates.

Furnished Finder is purpose-built for travel healthcare professionals and often has lower prices for 13-week stays because landlords list specifically for this audience. Airbnb can work but is typically more expensive for extended stays and charges service fees. Many nurses check both platforms and compare total costs before deciding.