Travel Nurse Housing in Erie, Pennsylvania: Complete Guide
Erie is Pennsylvania’s only Great Lakes city, offering travel nurses waterfront living on Lake Erie, Presque Isle State Park beaches, and a very affordable cost of living.
Erie’s healthcare includes UPMC Hamot and Saint Vincent Hospital.
Whether you are heading to Erie 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. Erie 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
Erie 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.
UPMC Hamot — Part of the UPMC system and a regional referral center with Level II trauma center.
Saint Vincent Hospital — A large community hospital with comprehensive services.
Millcreek Community Hospital — A community hospital serving the southern Erie area.
Travel nurse demand in Erie 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 Erie 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 Erie.
Downtown Erie
The city center near the bayfront with restaurants and cultural venues.
Pros: Close to hospitals, bayfront access, affordable, cultural attractions
Cons: Some blocks need awareness, limited nightlife, cold winters
Millcreek Township
A suburban township south of the city with shopping and housing options.
Pros: Affordable, safe, good shopping, family-friendly
Cons: Suburban, car-dependent, limited character
West Erie near Presque Isle
Residential areas near Presque Isle State Park.
Pros: Close to Presque Isle, affordable, beach access in summer
Cons: Seasonal appeal, car-dependent, quieter in winter
When choosing where to live, prioritize keeping your commute under 30 minutes whenever possible. Car-dependent. Compact city with short commutes. If you are unfamiliar with the area, connect with other travel nurses who have worked in Erie through Facebook groups or online forums to get firsthand recommendations on neighborhoods.
Average Housing Costs
Housing costs in Erie 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: $550 to $900 per month
- One-bedroom apartment: $650 to $1,050 per month
- Furnished apartment (travel nurse friendly): $850 to $1,350 per month
Erie is very affordable. UPMC name on your resume is valuable. Lake-effect snow is a major winter consideration.
Many travel nurses in Erie 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 Erie, PA 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 Erie
Every city has its own quirks and considerations when it comes to finding and securing travel nurse housing. Here are tips specific to Erie that will help you avoid common pitfalls, stretch your housing stipend further, and settle in more quickly.
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UPMC system experience — Working at UPMC Hamot adds the prestigious UPMC name to your resume.
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Lake-effect snow is intense — Erie receives some of the heaviest snowfall in the eastern US. Prepare for serious winter conditions.
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Presque Isle is beautiful — A stunning state park with beaches that rival coastal destinations in summer.
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Pennsylvania taxes — PA has state and local income taxes. Factor these into calculations.
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
Erie has a low cost of living. Housing, groceries, and dining are all well below national averages.
When budgeting for your Erie assignment, factor in all of your regular expenses beyond rent. Wegmans and Aldi offer excellent grocery prices. Erie’s waterfront restaurants offer fresh Lake Erie fish at reasonable 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. Erie has plenty to offer whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and recharging between shifts.
- Presque Isle State Park — A 3,200-acre sandy peninsula with 11 beaches, hiking trails, and beautiful Lake Erie sunsets.
- Erie Maritime Museum — Home to the reconstructed US Brig Niagara, flagship of the Battle of Lake Erie.
- Waldameer Park — A classic amusement park near Presque Isle with rides and waterpark.
- Lake Erie Wine Country — Visit wineries along the Lake Erie shore east of the city.
Take full advantage of your time in Erie. 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
Erie, Pennsylvania offers travel nurses Pennsylvania’s lakefront city with affordable living, UPMC-system hospitals, and the stunning beaches of Presque Isle State Park. With UPMC Hamot and Saint Vincent Hospital 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 Erie, 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 Erie assignments, our pay calculator can help you break down the numbers and understand your true compensation.
We wish you the best on your Erie assignment. It is a great place to be a travel nurse.