Cheapest Cities for Travel Nursing (2026 Update)

Introduction

Your take-home pay as a travel nurse depends as much on where you live as what you earn. A contract paying $2,200 per week in San Francisco might leave you with less savings than a $1,800 per week contract in Tulsa once you account for housing, groceries, gas, and state income tax. The math is not intuitive, but it is powerful once you understand it.

This is what experienced travel nurses call stipend arbitrage: choosing assignments in lower-cost cities where the housing stipend exceeds your actual living expenses by the widest margin. The difference is tax-free money in your pocket, and over a year of strategic assignment choices, it can add up to $10,000 to $20,000 in additional savings.

This guide ranks the most affordable cities for travel nursing in 2026, explains how we calculated affordability, and gives you the tools to evaluate any city’s true cost before accepting a contract. Use our cost-of-living comparison tool to run your own numbers for specific locations.

How We Calculated Affordability

Affordability for travel nurses is not the same as general cost of living. We weighted four factors that directly affect your net take-home pay:

Average furnished one-bedroom rent. This is your biggest variable expense. We used current listings from Furnished Finder, Airbnb (monthly stays), and extended-stay hotel rates to establish average housing costs in each city.

GSA per diem rates. The General Services Administration sets per diem rates that agencies use to calculate your housing and meals stipend. Cities where the GSA rate significantly exceeds the actual cost of housing create the largest savings opportunities.

State income tax. Seven states have no income tax: Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Nevada, Washington, Wyoming, and South Dakota. Nurses working in these states keep an additional 5 to 13 percent of their taxable income compared to high-tax states like California or New York.

General cost of living. Grocery prices, gas costs, car insurance rates, and everyday expenses vary significantly by city. We used cost-of-living index data where 100 represents the national average.

The cities below combine affordable housing with competitive stipends, reasonable demand for nurses, and livable quality of life. A city that is dirt cheap but has no hospital jobs or a miserable climate does not make the list.

Top 10 Cheapest Cities for Travel Nursing in 2026

1. Tulsa, Oklahoma

Tulsa consistently ranks as one of the most affordable cities for travel nurses in the country. The combination of low rent, no-frills living costs, and steady hospital demand makes it a go-to for nurses focused on saving.

Average furnished 1BR rent: $850 to $1,100 per month
GSA per diem (lodging): $98 per day / approximately $2,940 per month
Cost of living index: 87 (13 percent below national average)
Major hospital systems: Saint Francis Health System, Ascension St. John, Hillcrest Medical Center
State income tax: 4.75 percent (moderate)
Quality of life: Growing arts and food scene, mild winters, hot summers. The Gathering Place park is a standout.

The gap between the GSA rate and actual housing costs in Tulsa can put $1,500 or more per month in your pocket. Hospital demand is consistent, and the city has enough amenities to keep you entertained on days off.

2. San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio combines Texas’s zero state income tax with housing costs well below the national average. It is the sweet spot for nurses who want urban amenities without urban prices.

Average furnished 1BR rent: $1,000 to $1,300 per month
GSA per diem (lodging): $117 per day / approximately $3,510 per month
Cost of living index: 90 (10 percent below national average)
Major hospital systems: Methodist Healthcare, CHRISTUS Health, University Health
State income tax: None
Quality of life: Rich culture, excellent food, warm climate year-round. The River Walk is a legitimate draw.

No state income tax combined with a favorable GSA rate makes San Antonio one of the highest net-savings cities in the country. The healthcare market is large enough to offer consistent assignments across specialties.

3. Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis offers some of the lowest housing costs among major metro areas with significant hospital systems. Tennessee’s lack of state income tax on wages adds to the financial advantage.

Average furnished 1BR rent: $800 to $1,050 per month
GSA per diem (lodging): $102 per day / approximately $3,060 per month
Cost of living index: 82 (18 percent below national average)
Major hospital systems: Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, Baptist Memorial Health Care, Regional One Health
State income tax: None (on wages)
Quality of life: Legendary music and food scene, proximity to outdoor recreation. Summers are hot and humid.

Memphis has a deep healthcare infrastructure with multiple large systems that regularly hire travel nurses. The extremely low cost of living means your day-to-day expenses eat into your savings less than almost any other city on this list.

4. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Similar to Tulsa but with a slightly larger job market. Oklahoma City offers affordable living and a surprisingly vibrant downtown.

Average furnished 1BR rent: $900 to $1,150 per month
GSA per diem (lodging): $107 per day / approximately $3,210 per month
Cost of living index: 88 (12 percent below national average)
Major hospital systems: INTEGRIS Health, Mercy, OU Health
State income tax: 4.75 percent
Quality of life: Growing city with good restaurants, Bricktown entertainment district, mild winters.

5. Louisville, Kentucky

Louisville punches above its weight in quality of life while keeping costs well below the national average. The healthcare market is anchored by several major systems.

Average furnished 1BR rent: $900 to $1,200 per month
GSA per diem (lodging): $107 per day / approximately $3,210 per month
Cost of living index: 89 (11 percent below national average)
Major hospital systems: Norton Healthcare, UofL Health, Baptist Health
State income tax: 4 percent (flat rate)
Quality of life: Derby culture, bourbon trail, walkable downtown neighborhoods, four distinct seasons.

6. Jacksonville, Florida

Florida’s zero income tax and Jacksonville’s relatively affordable housing make it a strong choice, especially for nurses who prefer warm weather year-round.

Average furnished 1BR rent: $1,100 to $1,400 per month
GSA per diem (lodging): $117 per day / approximately $3,510 per month
Cost of living index: 93 (7 percent below national average)
Major hospital systems: Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Baptist Health, Ascension St. Vincent’s
State income tax: None
Quality of life: Beach access, warm climate, outdoor recreation, growing food scene. Hurricane season is a consideration.

7. Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City straddles two states and offers a metro area with low housing costs, strong healthcare demand, and a food scene that rivals cities twice its size.

Average furnished 1BR rent: $950 to $1,200 per month
GSA per diem (lodging): $117 per day / approximately $3,510 per month
Cost of living index: 88 (12 percent below national average)
Major hospital systems: HCA Midwest, Saint Luke’s, AdventHealth, The University of Kansas Health System
State income tax: 4.95 percent (Missouri side), none on the Kansas side for some income levels
Quality of life: Excellent BBQ, sports culture, affordable neighborhoods, central location for road trips.

8. El Paso, Texas

El Paso is one of the most affordable cities in the country, period. Combined with no state income tax, it is a savings powerhouse for travel nurses willing to embrace the desert Southwest.

Average furnished 1BR rent: $750 to $1,000 per month
GSA per diem (lodging): $107 per day / approximately $3,210 per month
Cost of living index: 82 (18 percent below national average)
Major hospital systems: The Hospitals of Providence, University Medical Center
State income tax: None
Quality of life: Sunny year-round, unique border culture, access to outdoor recreation in the Franklin Mountains. Limited nightlife and dining compared to larger Texas cities.

9. Knoxville, Tennessee

Knoxville offers the combination of no state income tax, affordable housing, and proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains. It is a strong choice for nurses who value outdoor recreation.

Average furnished 1BR rent: $850 to $1,100 per month
GSA per diem (lodging): $98 per day / approximately $2,940 per month
Cost of living index: 85 (15 percent below national average)
Major hospital systems: Covenant Health, University of Tennessee Medical Center, Tennova Healthcare
State income tax: None (on wages)
Quality of life: Gateway to the Smokies, college-town energy, four seasons, growing food scene.

10. Little Rock, Arkansas

Little Rock flies under the radar but offers some of the lowest housing costs in the South combined with a healthcare market anchored by the state’s largest medical center.

Average furnished 1BR rent: $750 to $1,000 per month
GSA per diem (lodging): $98 per day / approximately $2,940 per month
Cost of living index: 83 (17 percent below national average)
Major hospital systems: UAMS Medical Center, Baptist Health, CHI St. Vincent
State income tax: 4.4 percent (top rate)
Quality of life: Access to natural beauty (Hot Springs, Ozarks), slower pace, warm climate. Limited urban amenities compared to larger cities.

Cost Comparison Table

City	Avg. Rent	GSA Monthly	COL Index	State Tax	Est. Monthly Savings
Tulsa, OK	$975	$2,940	87	4.75%	$1,500-$1,800
San Antonio, TX	$1,150	$3,510	90	0%	$1,800-$2,200
Memphis, TN	$925	$3,060	82	0%	$1,600-$2,000
Oklahoma City, OK	$1,025	$3,210	88	4.75%	$1,600-$1,900
Louisville, KY	$1,050	$3,210	89	4%	$1,500-$1,800
Jacksonville, FL	$1,250	$3,510	93	0%	$1,700-$2,100
Kansas City, MO	$1,075	$3,510	88	4.95%	$1,800-$2,100
El Paso, TX	$875	$3,210	82	0%	$1,800-$2,200
Knoxville, TN	$975	$2,940	85	0%	$1,400-$1,800
Little Rock, AR	$875	$2,940	83	4.4%	$1,500-$1,800

Estimated monthly savings = GSA lodging rate minus average rent. Actual savings depend on your specific contract, housing choice, and spending habits.

Cities That Look Cheap but Are Not

Some cities appear affordable on paper but have hidden costs that erode your savings:

Las Vegas, Nevada. No state income tax, but furnished housing near hospitals is scarce and expensive. The tourist economy inflates prices for everything, and the GSA rate does not fully compensate.

Houston, Texas. No state tax and competitive pay, but Houston’s sprawl means long commutes, high fuel costs, and expensive car insurance. Furnished housing near major medical centers (especially the Texas Medical Center) is priced at a premium.

Rural assignments in any state. Low rent, but furnished housing options are extremely limited. You may end up in an extended-stay hotel at a premium rate because there are simply no apartments or Furnished Finder listings available. Always check actual housing availability before accepting a rural contract based on the stipend alone.

Cities with low stipends. Some agencies offer lower stipends in certain markets regardless of the GSA rate. Always compare the specific contract offer against actual housing costs, not just the city’s general affordability. Use our pay comparison guide to evaluate the full package.

How to Maximize Savings in Any City

Even if your assignment is not in one of the cheapest cities, these strategies help you keep more of your stipend.

Take the housing stipend instead of agency housing. Agency-provided housing is convenient, but you lose the ability to save on the difference between the stipend and your actual costs. In almost every market, finding your own housing saves money. See our housing stipend vs. agency housing comparison for the full breakdown.

Find a roommate. Splitting a two-bedroom with another travel nurse cuts your housing cost by 30 to 50 percent. Check out our travel nurse roommate guide for tips on finding compatible housemates.

Use cashback apps and travel rewards. Rakuten, Ibotta, and credit card cashback programs put money back in your pocket on everyday spending. Over a 13-week contract, disciplined use of cashback apps and travel rewards cards can return $200 to $500.

Meal prep instead of eating out. Restaurant spending is one of the biggest budget leaks for travel nurses. Meal prepping on your day off can save $300 to $600 per month compared to eating out regularly. Our meal prep guide has recipes and strategies designed for the travel nurse schedule.

Pick assignments strategically based on net take-home, not gross pay. A $2,500 per week contract in a high-cost city with state income tax can net you less than a $2,000 per week contract in a no-tax, low-cost city. Run the full calculation before every contract decision. Our budget template helps you do this consistently.

Key Takeaways

The cheapest cities for travel nurses combine low housing costs with competitive GSA stipend rates. Texas, Tennessee, and Florida cities dominate because of zero state income tax.
Always calculate net take-home pay, not just the contract rate. Housing costs, state taxes, and daily expenses all affect how much you actually keep.
San Antonio, Memphis, and El Paso offer some of the highest savings potential in 2026, with monthly housing stipend arbitrage of $1,800 or more.
Watch out for cities that look cheap but have hidden costs: scarce furnished housing, long commutes, high car insurance, or low agency stipends.
Housing type matters everywhere. Finding a roommate, choosing an extended stay hotel with a monthly rate, or exploring RV living can reduce costs in any city.
Use our cost-of-living tool to compare specific cities and run your own numbers before accepting your next contract.

Affiliate Placement Notes

Furnished Finder affiliate link in methodology section
Cost-of-living tool link in introduction and key takeaways
Credit card and cashback app affiliate links in savings section
Budget template link in savings section