Travel Nurse Housing in Eugene, Oregon: Complete Guide

Eugene is a progressive college town in the Willamette Valley, home to the University of Oregon and known for its running culture, craft beer, and environmental consciousness. Travel nurses find a solid healthcare market and exceptional outdoor recreation.

Eugene’s healthcare includes PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center.

Whether you are heading to Eugene 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. Eugene 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

Eugene 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.

PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend — A Level II trauma center and the largest hospital between Portland and Sacramento.

PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center University District — A downtown campus with emergency and outpatient services.

McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center — A community hospital in nearby Springfield.

Travel nurse demand in Eugene 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 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 Eugene 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 Eugene.

Whiteaker (Whit)

Eugene’s alternative neighborhood with craft breweries, coffee shops, and a bohemian vibe.

Pros: Brewery and dining scene, community character, affordable, walkable

Cons: Can be gritty, some blocks need awareness, limited parking

South University and Amazon

Residential areas near the University of Oregon with parks and neighborhood character.

Pros: Close to hospitals, UO campus access, walkable areas, Amazon Park

Cons: Student noise, parking limited, gentrifying

Downtown Eugene

The city center with restaurants, shops, and the Hult Center for the Performing Arts.

Pros: Walkable, dining options, cultural attractions, close to hospitals

Cons: Some blocks need awareness, limited nightlife, paid parking

Springfield

Adjacent city with more affordable housing and proximity to RiverBend hospital.

Pros: Affordable, close to RiverBend campus, family-friendly, moderate rents

Cons: Less character than Eugene, car-dependent, some areas dated

When choosing where to live, prioritize keeping your commute under 30 minutes whenever possible. Eugene has a good bus system (LTD) and excellent bike infrastructure. Many nurses bike to work at RiverBend. If you are unfamiliar with the area, connect with other travel nurses who have worked in Eugene through Facebook groups or online forums to get firsthand recommendations on neighborhoods.

Average Housing Costs

Housing costs in Eugene 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: $1,050 to $1,650 per month
• Furnished apartment (travel nurse friendly): $1,350 to $2,050 per month

Eugene is moderately priced by Oregon standards. Springfield near RiverBend offers the best value for hospital proximity.

Many travel nurses in Eugene 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 Eugene, OR 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 Eugene

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

1. No sales tax — Oregon has no sales tax. Oregon does have high state income tax.

2. Running capital — Eugene is TrackTown USA. The running culture is real and Pre’s Trail along the Willamette River is iconic.

3. Rain is constant — Like Portland, Eugene gets steady rain from October through June.

4. Craft beer culture — Ninkasi, Oakshire, and other breweries make Eugene a craft beer destination.

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

Eugene’s cost of living is above the national average, driven by housing costs. No sales tax helps on purchases. Oregon income tax is high.

When budgeting for your Eugene assignment, factor in all of your regular expenses beyond rent. WinCo, Market of Choice, and Trader Joe’s offer various grocery price points. Eugene’s food cart culture offers affordable meals. 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. Eugene has plenty to offer whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and recharging between shifts.

• Pre’s Trail and Alton Baker Park — A running trail along the Willamette River honoring Steve Prefontaine, legendary University of Oregon runner.
• Craft Brewery Tour — Visit Ninkasi, Oakshire, Coldfire, and other breweries in the Whiteaker neighborhood.
• Oregon Coast Day Trip — Florence and the Oregon Coast are about an hour west with stunning beaches and dunes.
• Hiking in the Cascades — Spencer Butte, McKenzie River Trail, and dozens of trails are within easy reach.

Take full advantage of your time in Eugene. 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

Eugene, Oregon offers travel nurses TrackTown USA with strong hospitals, exceptional outdoor recreation, craft beer culture, and a progressive community in Oregon’s beautiful Willamette Valley. With PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center 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 Eugene, 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 Eugene assignments, our pay calculator can help you break down the numbers and understand your true compensation.

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