Travel Nurse Housing in Augusta, Georgia: Complete Guide
Augusta is Georgia’s second-largest city, known worldwide for the Masters Tournament and home to the Medical College of Georgia, one of the largest medical schools in the country. Travel nurses find strong demand at Augusta University Medical Center and a very affordable cost of living.
Augusta’s healthcare is anchored by Augusta University Medical Center (formerly MCG Health) and University Hospital.
Whether you are heading to Augusta for your first travel nursing assignment or returning for another contract, this guide will help you navigate the housing market, understand what to expect from local costs, and find a neighborhood that fits your needs. Augusta has a lot to offer travel nurses, and a little planning goes a long way toward making your assignment a success.
Major Hospitals and Health Systems
Augusta is home to several major hospitals and health systems that consistently hire travel nurses across a wide range of specialties. Knowing which facilities are in the area helps you plan your housing search around commute times and gives you a sense of where demand is concentrated.
Augusta University Medical Center — The primary teaching hospital for the Medical College of Georgia and a Level I trauma center. It is one of the largest hospitals in the state.
University Hospital — A large community hospital with comprehensive services.
Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center — A VA facility serving veterans across the region.
Doctors Hospital of Augusta — An HCA facility with emergency and surgical services.
Travel nurse demand in Augusta is generally strong, with ICU, ED, med-surg, and telemetry being among the most frequently requested specialties. Contract availability tends to be strong year-round, though demand typically peaks during Masters Tournament week in April (housing impact) and winter flu season. If you are flexible on specialty or shift, you will have even more options to choose from in this market.
Best Neighborhoods for Travel Nurses
Choosing the right neighborhood is one of the most important decisions you will make during your Augusta assignment. Where you live affects your commute, your safety, your access to amenities, and ultimately your quality of life for the duration of your contract. Here are the top neighborhoods that travel nurses should consider when searching for housing in Augusta.
Summerville and Hill area
Augusta’s most desirable residential area with tree-lined streets near the hospitals.
Pros: Close to hospitals, safe, residential charm, tree-lined streets
Cons: Higher rents for Augusta, quiet nightlife, car-dependent
Downtown Augusta and Broad Street
The revitalized downtown along the Savannah River with restaurants, bars, and cultural venues.
Pros: Waterfront access, growing dining scene, close to hospitals, affordable
Cons: Some blocks need awareness, limited nightlife variety, parking costs
Martinez and Evans
Suburban communities west of Augusta with newer apartments and shopping.
Pros: Modern apartments, safe, affordable, good shopping
Cons: Suburban, car-dependent, far from downtown hospitals, limited character
When choosing where to live, prioritize keeping your commute under 30 minutes whenever possible. Augusta is car-dependent. Commutes are typically under 20 minutes. If you are unfamiliar with the area, connect with other travel nurses who have worked in Augusta through Facebook groups or online forums to get firsthand recommendations on neighborhoods.
Average Housing Costs
Housing costs in Augusta are below the national average. Here is a general overview of what you can expect to pay for rental housing in the area. Keep in mind that prices vary by neighborhood, season, and the specific amenities included with the unit.
- Studio apartment: $600 to $950 per month
- One-bedroom apartment: $700 to $1,100 per month
- Furnished apartment (travel nurse friendly): $900 to $1,450 per month
Augusta is very affordable. Masters week in April can affect short-term housing availability and prices. Book early if your assignment overlaps.
Many travel nurses in Augusta find their housing through Furnished Finder , which connects healthcare travelers with landlords who specifically offer furnished, short-term rentals designed for assignment-length stays. It is one of the most widely used housing platforms in the travel nursing industry and an excellent starting point for your search. You can also explore local Facebook groups, Craigslist, and extended-stay hotels to compare your options and find the best fit for your budget and preferences.
GSA Stipend Rate
The General Services Administration publishes per diem rates that many travel nursing agencies use as a baseline for calculating housing and meals and incidentals stipends. The GSA rate for the Augusta, GA area varies by time of year, with higher rates typically applying during peak travel seasons and lower rates during off-peak months.
It is essential to check the current GSA per diem rate for your specific assignment dates and location, as rates are updated annually each October and can change significantly from year to year. You can look up the exact rate on the GSA website or ask your recruiter for the figures they are using to calculate your pay package. Keep in mind that your actual stipend may differ from the published GSA rate depending on your agency’s internal pay structure and policies.
Understanding how your stipend fits into your total compensation is key to evaluating any travel nursing contract. For help breaking down the numbers, use our pay calculator to compare packages side by side and see your estimated take-home pay after taxes, stipends, and deductions.
Housing Tips for Augusta
Every city has its own quirks and considerations when it comes to finding and securing travel nurse housing. Here are tips specific to Augusta that will help you avoid common pitfalls, stretch your housing stipend further, and settle in more quickly.
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Masters week affects everything — The Masters Tournament in April drives up short-term housing prices dramatically. Plan accordingly.
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Georgia is not a compact state — You will need a Georgia nursing license.
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MCG is a career builder — Augusta University Medical Center is a major academic center with valuable clinical experience.
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Hot and humid summers — Augusta summers are hot and humid from June through September.
For a comprehensive overview of the housing search process from start to finish, including how to spot scams and negotiate lease terms, check out our complete travel nurse housing guide. It covers everything you need to know regardless of which city you are heading to.
Cost of Living Overview
Augusta has one of the lowest costs of living in the Southeast. Groceries and gas are below national averages. Dining is very affordable.
When budgeting for your Augusta assignment, factor in all of your regular expenses beyond rent. Kroger and Walmart offer great grocery prices. Augusta’s Broad Street dining scene offers good value. The Augusta Riverwalk provides free recreation. Tracking your spending during the first two weeks of your assignment will give you a realistic picture of your monthly costs and help you adjust your budget accordingly.
Things to Do on Days Off
One of the greatest perks of travel nursing is the opportunity to explore a new city on your days off. Augusta has plenty to offer whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and recharging between shifts.
- Augusta Riverwalk — A scenic path along the Savannah River with gardens, monuments, and river views.
- Masters Tournament area — Even outside of tournament time, the Augusta National area is iconic for golf fans.
- Phinizy Swamp Nature Park — Boardwalk trails through a cypress swamp with excellent birding.
- Savannah Rapids Park — A park at the head of the Augusta Canal with rapids viewing and kayaking.
Take full advantage of your time in Augusta. Exploring the local culture, trying restaurants you have never heard of, and visiting nearby attractions are what make travel nursing more than just a paycheck. Many travel nurses find that their days off are when they truly fall in love with a new city.
Final Thoughts
Augusta, Georgia offers travel nurses an affordable healthcare hub with a major academic medical center, warm Southern hospitality, and the prestige of Georgia’s second-largest city. With Augusta University Medical Center and University Hospital and a low cost of living, it is a market well worth considering whether you are a first-time traveler or a seasoned veteran looking for your next destination.
Start your housing search as early as possible, ideally four to six weeks before your assignment start date. The best furnished rentals tend to go quickly, especially in popular neighborhoods near major hospitals. Furnished Finder is an excellent resource for finding travel nurse housing in Augusta, and joining local travel nurse social media groups can give you insider tips and real-time availability updates.
For more resources on finding and securing great travel nurse housing anywhere in the country, explore our complete housing guide. And when you are comparing pay packages for Augusta assignments, our pay calculator can help you break down the numbers and understand your true compensation.
We wish you the best on your Augusta assignment. It is a great place to be a travel nurse.