Travel Nurse Housing in El Paso, Texas: Complete Guide

El Paso sits on the US-Mexico border at the western tip of Texas, offering travel nurses a unique bicultural experience, one of the lowest costs of living in the country, and no state income tax. The city has a strong military presence and a growing healthcare market.

El Paso’s healthcare includes The Hospitals of Providence, University Medical Center of El Paso, and William Beaumont Army Medical Center.

Whether you are heading to El Paso 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. El Paso 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

El Paso 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.

University Medical Center of El Paso — A county hospital and Level I trauma center affiliated with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.

The Hospitals of Providence Memorial Campus — A large community hospital with comprehensive emergency and surgical services.

William Beaumont Army Medical Center — A major military medical facility at Fort Bliss with some travel nurse opportunities.

Del Sol Medical Center — An HCA facility with a Level II trauma center and comprehensive emergency services.

Travel nurse demand in El Paso is generally steady, 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. 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 El Paso 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 El Paso.

Kern Place and Cincinnati Avenue

An upscale residential area near UTEP with tree-lined streets, restaurants, and proximity to hospitals.

Pros: Safe, walkable, close to hospitals, restaurant options along Cincinnati Ave

Cons: Higher rents for El Paso, limited nightlife, older housing stock

Westside

The fastest-growing area of El Paso with newer apartments, shopping, and family-friendly communities.

Pros: Modern apartments, affordable, safe, good shopping

Cons: Suburban sprawl, car-dependent, far from downtown hospitals, limited character

Downtown El Paso

A revitalizing downtown with restaurants, bars, and proximity to UMC and Providence hospitals.

Pros: Close to hospitals, growing dining scene, cultural attractions, affordable

Cons: Some blocks need awareness, limited nightlife, quiet at night

East El Paso

Residential area near Beaumont Army Medical Center with affordable housing.

Pros: Affordable, close to Fort Bliss and Beaumont, family-friendly

Cons: Suburban, car-dependent, limited dining, far from downtown

When choosing where to live, prioritize keeping your commute under 30 minutes whenever possible. El Paso is car-dependent and sprawls along the border. Commutes can range from 10 to 30 minutes depending on location. Sun Metro bus service is limited. If you are unfamiliar with the area, connect with other travel nurses who have worked in El Paso through Facebook groups or online forums to get firsthand recommendations on neighborhoods.

Average Housing Costs

Housing costs in El Paso 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

El Paso is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Your stipend will stretch incredibly far with no state income tax. Furnished apartments are available at very low prices.

Many travel nurses in El Paso 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 El Paso, 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 El Paso

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

1. No state income tax — Texas has no state income tax, and El Paso’s extremely low cost of living creates exceptional savings potential.

2. Border culture is unique — El Paso’s bicultural character with neighboring Ciudad Juarez creates a unique food, music, and cultural experience.

3. Desert heat — El Paso summers are hot and dry with temperatures above 100 degrees. Winters are mild and sunny.

4. The food is incredible — El Paso has some of the best Mexican food in the United States. Chico’s Tacos, L&J Cafe, and countless family-owned restaurants are must-tries.

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

El Paso has one of the lowest costs of living among mid-sized US cities. Groceries are below the national average. Gas is very cheap. Dining is extremely affordable with outstanding Mexican food.

When budgeting for your El Paso assignment, factor in all of your regular expenses beyond rent. Albertsons and Walmart offer great grocery prices. El Paso’s Mexican food is world-class and incredibly cheap. Shop at Mexican grocery stores for even better deals on produce and staples. 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. El Paso has plenty to offer whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and recharging between shifts.

• Franklin Mountains State Park — The largest urban park in the country with hiking trails, rock climbing, and panoramic views of the desert basin.
• Hueco Tanks State Park — A world-class rock climbing destination with ancient pictographs, about 30 minutes east of the city.
• El Paso Mission Trail — Visit centuries-old Spanish missions including Ysleta Mission, the oldest in Texas.
• Juarez Day Trip — Walk across the border to Ciudad Juarez for authentic Mexican food, markets, and cultural experiences.

Take full advantage of your time in El Paso. 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

El Paso, Texas offers travel nurses an incredibly affordable border city with no state income tax, outstanding Mexican food, unique bicultural character, and strong hospital systems. With University Medical Center of El Paso, The Hospitals of Providence, and William Beaumont Army Medical Center 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 El Paso, 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 El Paso assignments, our pay calculator can help you break down the numbers and understand your true compensation.

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