Travel Nurse Housing in Boise, Idaho: Complete Guide

Boise is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, nestled in the Treasure Valley of southwestern Idaho. With a vibrant downtown, easy access to outdoor recreation, and a welcoming community, Boise offers travel nurses a strong healthcare market and an exceptional quality of life.

Boise’s healthcare market is led by St. Luke’s Health System and Saint Alphonsus Health System (part of Trinity Health). As the healthcare hub for the entire state, these two systems draw patients from across Idaho and eastern Oregon.

Whether you are heading to Boise 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. Boise 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

Boise 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.

St. Luke’s Boise Medical Center — The flagship of St. Luke’s Health System and Boise’s largest hospital. It is a Level II trauma center with comprehensive services across all major specialties.

Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center — A large Trinity Health facility and Level II trauma center with strong cardiac, orthopedic, and neuroscience programs.

St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital — Idaho’s only children’s hospital, located on the St. Luke’s Boise campus.

Boise VA Medical Center — A VA facility serving veterans across Idaho with travel nurse opportunities.

Travel nurse demand in Boise is generally strong and growing, 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 winter flu season and summer recreation 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 Boise 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 Boise.

North End

Boise’s most walkable and charming neighborhood with tree-lined streets, Hyde Park shops and restaurants, and easy access to the Boise foothills trail system.

Pros: Walkable, Hyde Park character, foothills trail access, close to downtown hospitals, safe

Cons: Higher rents, limited parking near Hyde Park, older housing stock, competitive market

Downtown Boise

A walkable city center with a growing restaurant scene, the Boise River Greenbelt, and proximity to both major hospital systems.

Pros: Walkable, close to hospitals, Boise River Greenbelt, growing dining scene, central location

Cons: Higher rents, limited parking, noise from events, construction activity

Boise Bench

A residential area south of downtown with views of the city, moderate rents, and a growing number of restaurants along Vista Avenue.

Pros: Affordable for Boise, city views, growing dining scene, close to hospitals, neighborhood character

Cons: Hilly terrain, less walkable than North End, limited transit, some older housing

Eagle and Meridian

Suburban communities west of Boise with newer apartments, shopping, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Pros: New construction, affordable, safe, family-friendly, growing retail and dining

Cons: Suburban sprawl, 15-25 minute commute to Boise hospitals, car-dependent, limited walkability

When choosing where to live, prioritize keeping your commute under 30 minutes whenever possible. Boise is car-dependent with a limited bus system (ValleyRide). The city is compact enough that most commutes are under 20 minutes. The Boise River Greenbelt allows for bike commuting to downtown hospitals. If you are unfamiliar with the area, connect with other travel nurses who have worked in Boise through Facebook groups or online forums to get firsthand recommendations on neighborhoods.

Average Housing Costs

Housing costs in Boise are slightly above 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: $900 to $1,400 per month
• One-bedroom apartment: $1,100 to $1,700 per month
• Furnished apartment (travel nurse friendly): $1,350 to $2,100 per month

Boise’s rental market has tightened significantly with population growth, and rents have risen accordingly. Furnished apartments are available but limited. Start your search early and consider the Boise Bench or nearby suburbs for better value.

Many travel nurses in Boise 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 Boise, ID 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 Boise

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

1. The outdoor lifestyle is the main draw — Boise is an outdoor paradise. World-class skiing at Bogus Basin is 45 minutes away, and hundreds of miles of trails are accessible from the city. Bring all your outdoor gear.

2. Four seasons with dry climate — Boise has a dry climate with four distinct seasons. Winters bring snow and cold but are milder than other mountain West cities. Summers are hot and dry.

3. Idaho has state income tax — Idaho has a state income tax that should be factored into your financial planning.

4. The city is growing fast — Boise has experienced explosive growth, which means new restaurants, housing, and amenities are constantly opening, but also increasing competition for housing.

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

Boise’s cost of living has risen above the national average with population growth, driven primarily by housing. Groceries are at national norms. Gas is moderate. Dining out is reasonably priced with a growing local food scene.

When budgeting for your Boise assignment, factor in all of your regular expenses beyond rent. WinCo Foods and Albertsons are popular grocery options with competitive prices. Boise’s growing restaurant scene offers good value, especially along 8th Street downtown. The many free outdoor activities help keep entertainment costs very low. 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. Boise has plenty to offer whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and recharging between shifts.

• Boise River Greenbelt — 25 miles of paved paths along the Boise River, perfect for running, biking, and walking. It connects multiple parks and is the city’s most popular outdoor amenity.
• Bogus Basin Ski Resort — Just 45 minutes from downtown, Bogus Basin offers skiing and snowboarding in winter and mountain biking in summer at very affordable prices.
• Table Rock — A short but rewarding hike to a prominent rock formation above the city with panoramic views of the Treasure Valley.
• Freak Alley Gallery — The largest outdoor gallery in the Northwest, featuring colorful murals in a downtown Boise alley. It is free and constantly evolving.

Take full advantage of your time in Boise. 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

Boise, Idaho offers travel nurses an outstanding quality of life in one of the fastest-growing cities in America, with strong hospital systems, world-class outdoor recreation, and a friendly community. With St. Luke’s Health System and Saint Alphonsus Health System and a above 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 Boise, 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 Boise assignments, our pay calculator can help you break down the numbers and understand your true compensation.

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