Travel Nurse Housing in Dallas, Texas: Complete Guide

Dallas is a major metropolitan hub in North Texas with a booming economy, a massive healthcare sector, and a cost of living that offers excellent value for travel nurses. The city blends Southern charm with big-city amenities, and the absence of state income tax makes Dallas one of the most financially rewarding travel nurse markets in the country.

The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is home to one of the largest concentrations of hospitals in the United States. Major systems include Baylor Scott & White Health, Texas Health Resources, Parkland Health, and UT Southwestern Medical Center, all of which maintain a steady demand for travel nurses across virtually every specialty.

Whether you are heading to Dallas 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. Dallas 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

Dallas 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.

Baylor University Medical Center — The flagship hospital of Baylor Scott & White Health, located in the East Dallas area. It is one of the largest hospitals in the state with nationally recognized programs in transplant surgery, oncology, and cardiology.

UT Southwestern Medical Center — A world-renowned academic medical center affiliated with UT Southwestern Medical School. Known for its research programs and six Nobel Prize-winning faculty members, it offers travel nurses an elite clinical environment.

Parkland Memorial Hospital — Dallas County’s public safety-net hospital and one of the busiest in the nation. Parkland is a Level I trauma center with an extremely high patient volume and diverse patient population, providing unmatched clinical experience for travel nurses.

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas — Part of the Texas Health Resources system, this large community hospital in North Dallas offers a wide range of services and a well-organized nursing environment.

Medical City Dallas — Part of the HCA Healthcare system, Medical City Dallas is a large hospital complex in North Dallas known for its women’s and children’s services, heart programs, and Level I trauma center.

Travel nurse demand in Dallas is generally very strong, with ICU, ED, med-surg, OR, 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 months. 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 Dallas 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 Dallas.

Uptown

Dallas’s most walkable and vibrant neighborhood, located just north of downtown. Uptown features the Katy Trail for running and biking, excellent restaurants along McKinney Avenue, and a lively social scene popular with young professionals.

Pros: Most walkable area in Dallas, Katy Trail access, vibrant dining and nightlife, close to downtown hospitals, DART access

Cons: Higher rents, parking can be expensive, noisy on weekends near bar strips

Deep Ellum

A revitalized neighborhood east of downtown known for its street art, live music venues, breweries, and eclectic dining scene. It offers a grittier, more artistic vibe than Uptown at somewhat lower rents.

Pros: Vibrant arts and music scene, affordable by central Dallas standards, walkable entertainment district, close to Baylor Medical Center

Cons: Can be noisy at night, some safety concerns after dark, limited grocery options within the neighborhood

Lakewood

A charming residential neighborhood east of downtown with tree-lined streets, local shops along Gaston Avenue, and White Rock Lake nearby for running and biking. It is popular with healthcare professionals at nearby Baylor Medical Center.

Pros: Residential charm with tree-lined streets, close to White Rock Lake and Baylor, local coffee shops and restaurants, safe and family-friendly

Cons: Farther from hospitals in North Dallas, car-dependent for most errands, higher rents than outer suburbs

Knox-Henderson

Located between Uptown and Highland Park, Knox-Henderson offers trendy shopping, excellent restaurants, and a walkable atmosphere. It provides a nice balance between Uptown’s energy and residential neighborhood calm.

Pros: Walkable restaurant and shopping district, central location, easy access to major freeways, trendy atmosphere

Cons: Higher rents, limited parking near popular restaurants, noise from the main commercial strip

When choosing where to live, prioritize keeping your commute under 30 minutes whenever possible. Dallas is car-dependent with a sprawling layout. The DART light rail system covers some corridors but does not connect to all hospital locations. Choosing housing near your hospital is important, as cross-city commutes on I-35E, I-75, or the Dallas North Tollway can be lengthy during rush hour. If you are unfamiliar with the area, connect with other travel nurses who have worked in Dallas through Facebook groups or online forums to get firsthand recommendations on neighborhoods.

Average Housing Costs

Housing costs in Dallas are roughly 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: $900 to $1,400 per month
• One-bedroom apartment: $1,100 to $1,800 per month
• Furnished apartment (travel nurse friendly): $1,400 to $2,200 per month

Dallas offers excellent value for travel nurse housing. The market has abundant furnished apartment options, and your stipend should more than cover a comfortable one-bedroom in most neighborhoods. Extended-stay hotels in the Medical District and along major corridors are also popular with travel nurses.

Many travel nurses in Dallas 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 Dallas, TX 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 Dallas

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

1. No state income tax — Like Houston and San Antonio, Dallas benefits from Texas having no state income tax. This significantly boosts your take-home pay and makes Dallas one of the most financially advantageous travel nurse markets.

2. Toll roads are everywhere — The DFW area has an extensive toll road system. If your commute involves tollways like the Dallas North Tollway or George Bush Turnpike, budget $50 to $100 per month for tolls and get a TollTag to avoid higher pay-by-mail rates.

3. Summer heat is intense — Dallas summers feature temperatures above 100 degrees and weeks without rain. Make sure your apartment has working AC and budget for higher electricity bills from June through September.

4. The metroplex is huge — Dallas and Fort Worth are separate cities connected by a massive suburban corridor. Make sure you understand which part of the metroplex your hospital is in before committing to housing, as a drive from Fort Worth to far East Dallas can take well over an hour.

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

Dallas has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, making it very affordable for a major metropolitan area. Groceries are at or slightly below the national average. Gas is typically cheap in Texas. Dining out ranges from very affordable Tex-Mex and barbecue to upscale options in Uptown and the Design District. With no state income tax, your take-home pay goes further in Dallas than in many comparable markets.

When budgeting for your Dallas assignment, factor in all of your regular expenses beyond rent. Explore the DFW food scene for affordable eats including Tex-Mex, barbecue, and the growing Asian food corridor along Royal Lane and Harry Hines. Kroger and Tom Thumb are the main grocery chains, and Aldi has a growing presence for budget-friendly shopping. 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. Dallas has plenty to offer whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and recharging between shifts.

• Katy Trail — A 3.5-mile paved trail running through Uptown Dallas, perfect for running, biking, and walking. It is one of the most popular outdoor spaces in the city and connects several neighborhoods.
• Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden — A 66-acre garden on the shores of White Rock Lake with stunning seasonal displays, walking paths, and beautiful views. It is a peaceful escape from the city.
• Bishop Arts District — A charming neighborhood in Oak Cliff with independent shops, galleries, restaurants, and cafes housed in renovated buildings. It has a small-town feel within the big city.
• Fort Worth Stockyards — Take a short drive west to Fort Worth to experience the historic Stockyards district with its daily cattle drive, honky-tonk bars, and cowboy culture. It is a unique Texas experience.
• White Rock Lake — A 1,015-acre urban lake park with a 9-mile loop trail popular with runners and cyclists, kayak and paddleboard rentals, and quiet spots for picnicking and bird watching.

Take full advantage of your time in Dallas. 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

Dallas, Texas offers travel nurses a massive and growing healthcare market, no state income tax, affordable living, and a dynamic urban culture with excellent food, entertainment, and outdoor recreation. With powerhouse systems like Baylor Scott & White, UT Southwestern, and Parkland Health and a 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 Dallas, 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 Dallas assignments, our pay calculator can help you break down the numbers and understand your true compensation.

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