Travel Nurse Housing in Baton Rouge, Louisiana: Complete Guide

Baton Rouge is Louisiana’s capital and home to LSU. Travel nurses find a strong healthcare market, very affordable living, incredible Cajun and Creole food, and the cultural richness of Louisiana without the tourist intensity of New Orleans.

Baton Rouge’s healthcare includes Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Baton Rouge General, and the Woman’s Hospital.

Whether you are heading to Baton Rouge 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. Baton Rouge 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

Baton Rouge 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.

Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center — A large Catholic hospital and Level II trauma center, the largest hospital in the region.

Baton Rouge General Medical Center — A community hospital with two campuses serving the Baton Rouge area.

Woman’s Hospital — One of the largest women’s hospitals in the country with exceptional L&D programs.

Ochsner Medical Center - Baton Rouge — Part of the Ochsner system with comprehensive services.

Travel nurse demand in Baton Rouge is generally steady, with ICU, ED, med-surg, and L&D being among the most frequently requested specialties. Contract availability tends to be strong year-round, though demand typically peaks during 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 Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge.

Mid City

A diverse neighborhood with the growing Government Street corridor of restaurants and shops.

Pros: Growing dining scene, diverse, affordable, central location

Cons: Some areas transitional, limited walkability, car-dependent

Perkins Road Overpass area

A popular dining and nightlife corridor popular with young professionals.

Pros: Excellent dining and nightlife, close to hospitals, community feel

Cons: Higher rents, parking limited near restaurants, LSU game day traffic

Southdowns and Jefferson Place

Residential neighborhoods near LSU with tree-lined streets.

Pros: Near LSU, residential charm, moderate rents, safe

Cons: Car-dependent, quiet, limited nightlife outside Perkins Road

Prairieville and Gonzales

Suburban communities south of Baton Rouge with affordable housing.

Pros: Affordable, safe, newer apartments, family-friendly

Cons: Suburban, car-dependent, 20-minute commute, limited character

When choosing where to live, prioritize keeping your commute under 30 minutes whenever possible. Baton Rouge is very car-dependent. Traffic can be heavy on I-10 and I-12. The city lacks significant public transit. If you are unfamiliar with the area, connect with other travel nurses who have worked in Baton Rouge through Facebook groups or online forums to get firsthand recommendations on neighborhoods.

Average Housing Costs

Housing costs in Baton Rouge are slightly 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: $700 to $1,100 per month
• One-bedroom apartment: $850 to $1,350 per month
• Furnished apartment (travel nurse friendly): $1,050 to $1,650 per month

Baton Rouge is affordable. Your stipend stretches well. Mid City and the Perkins Road area offer the best balance of character and proximity.

Many travel nurses in Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge, LA 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 Baton Rouge

Every city has its own quirks and considerations when it comes to finding and securing travel nurse housing. Here are tips specific to Baton Rouge that will help you avoid common pitfalls, stretch your housing stipend further, and settle in more quickly.

1. The food is incredible — Baton Rouge shares Louisiana’s legendary food culture. Cajun and Creole cuisine is everywhere and outstanding.

2. LSU game days transform the city — Tiger Stadium holds over 100,000 fans and Saturday game days are massive events.

3. Flooding risk — Baton Rouge is flood-prone. Check flood maps and avoid ground-floor units in risky areas.

4. Louisiana income tax — Louisiana has a state income tax, but the low cost of living compensates.

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

Baton Rouge has a below-average cost of living. Groceries are at or below national norms. Gas is cheap. Dining is exceptionally affordable with outstanding Cajun and Creole food.

When budgeting for your Baton Rouge assignment, factor in all of your regular expenses beyond rent. Rouses Markets and Walmart offer great grocery prices. The Cajun food scene is outstanding and very affordable. Plate lunches and po’boys are huge portions at low prices. 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. Baton Rouge has plenty to offer whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and recharging between shifts.

• LSU Campus and Mike the Tiger — Walk the beautiful LSU campus and visit Mike the Tiger’s habitat. On game days, experience one of the most electric atmospheres in college football.
• Old State Capitol — A stunning Gothic Revival building turned museum on the Mississippi River bluffs.
• Cajun Food Trail — Explore the best boudin, cracklins, crawfish, and plate lunches across the Baton Rouge area.
• Atchafalaya Basin — The largest swamp in the US is just west of Baton Rouge with boat tours, fishing, and incredible wildlife.

Take full advantage of your time in Baton Rouge. 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

Baton Rouge, Louisiana offers travel nurses an affordable Louisiana capital with strong hospitals, legendary Cajun and Creole food, and the cultural richness of Louisiana at a fraction of New Orleans prices. With Our Lady of the Lake, Baton Rouge General, Woman’s Hospital, and Ochsner and a below average 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 Baton Rouge, 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 Baton Rouge assignments, our pay calculator can help you break down the numbers and understand your true compensation.

We wish you the best on your Baton Rouge assignment. It is a great place to be a travel nurse.