Travel Nurse Housing in Branson, Missouri: Complete Guide
Branson is an entertainment destination in the Ozark Mountains of southern Missouri, known for live music theaters, Silver Dollar City, and Table Rock Lake. Travel nurses find moderate demand and very affordable Ozark Mountain living.
Mercy Hospital Springfield and Cox Medical Center Springfield are the major hospitals in the nearby Springfield metro. Locally, Skaggs Regional Medical Center serves Branson.
Whether you are heading to Branson 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. Branson 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
Branson 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.
Skaggs Regional Medical Center (Cox Branson) — A community hospital in Branson with emergency and medical services.
Mercy Hospital Springfield — A major hospital about 45 minutes north with Level I trauma designation.
Cox Medical Center South (Springfield) — A comprehensive hospital about 45 minutes north.
Travel nurse demand in Branson is generally moderate, with 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 summer and fall tourist seasons. 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 Branson 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 Branson.
Downtown Branson and the Strip
The entertainment corridor with theaters, restaurants, and attractions.
Pros: Close to hospital, restaurants, entertainment, practical
Cons: Tourist traffic, commercial feel, seasonal crowds
Branson West
A quieter residential area west of town near Silver Dollar City.
Pros: More affordable, quieter, lakeside options, Silver Dollar City access
Cons: Car-dependent, fewer services, remote feel
Hollister and Forsyth
Small towns near Branson with more affordable housing.
Pros: Most affordable, residential, quieter, practical
Cons: Limited services, car-dependent, small-town feel
When choosing where to live, prioritize keeping your commute under 30 minutes whenever possible. Car required. Branson is spread along the Highway 76 corridor. Springfield hospitals are 45 minutes north. If you are unfamiliar with the area, connect with other travel nurses who have worked in Branson through Facebook groups or online forums to get firsthand recommendations on neighborhoods.
Average Housing Costs
Housing costs in Branson are in line with 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: $550 to $900 per month
- One-bedroom apartment: $650 to $1,100 per month
- Furnished apartment (travel nurse friendly): $850 to $1,400 per month
Branson is extremely affordable. Tourist-area housing can be more expensive during season. Hollister and Forsyth offer the best values.
Many travel nurses in Branson 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 Branson, MO 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 Branson
Every city has its own quirks and considerations when it comes to finding and securing travel nurse housing. Here are tips specific to Branson that will help you avoid common pitfalls, stretch your housing stipend further, and settle in more quickly.
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Extremely affordable living — Branson and the Ozarks are among the most affordable places in America to live.
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Entertainment capital — Over 50 live music theaters, attractions, and theme parks.
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Table Rock Lake — A stunning Ozark lake for fishing, boating, and swimming.
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Seasonal economy — Branson’s economy revolves around tourism. Winter is quieter with some closures.
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
Branson’s cost of living is well below the national average. Housing, groceries, and utilities are all affordable.
When budgeting for your Branson assignment, factor in all of your regular expenses beyond rent. Walmart and local grocers offer affordable options. Dining along the strip is tourist-priced but local spots are reasonable. 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. Branson has plenty to offer whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and recharging between shifts.
- Silver Dollar City — An award-winning 1880s-themed amusement park with rides, crafts, and festivals.
- Table Rock Lake — A crystal-clear Ozark lake with fishing, boating, swimming, and waterfront dining.
- Branson Live Shows — Over 50 theaters featuring country music, comedy, magic, and variety shows.
- Ozark Mountain Hiking — Trails through the Ozark Mountains including Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area.
Take full advantage of your time in Branson. 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
Branson, Missouri offers travel nurses an Ozark Mountain entertainment destination with very affordable living, lakeside recreation, live music theaters, and hospital access at Cox Branson and nearby Springfield facilities. With Skaggs Regional Medical Center (Cox Branson) and a well 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 Branson, 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 Branson assignments, our pay calculator can help you break down the numbers and understand your true compensation.
We wish you the best on your Branson assignment. It is a great place to be a travel nurse.