Travel Nurse Housing in Fargo, North Dakota: Complete Guide

Fargo is the largest city in North Dakota, sitting on the Minnesota border with a growing economy, surprisingly vibrant downtown, and healthcare systems that serve a vast rural region. Travel nurses find strong demand due to the difficulty of recruiting permanent staff to this northern plains city.

Fargo’s healthcare includes Sanford Health and Essentia Health, both major regional systems.

Whether you are heading to Fargo 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. Fargo 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

Fargo 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.

Sanford Medical Center Fargo — The flagship of one of the largest rural health systems in the country with comprehensive services and strong research programs.

Essentia Health - Fargo — A large Essentia Health facility with comprehensive medical and surgical services.

Sanford Children’s Hospital — A pediatric facility serving children across the Dakotas and Minnesota.

Travel nurse demand in Fargo is generally strong, 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 months when extreme cold increases demand. 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 Fargo 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 Fargo.

Downtown Fargo

A walkable downtown with Broadway restaurants, bars, and cultural venues.

Pros: Walkable, growing dining scene, close to hospitals, community events

Cons: Cold winters, limited housing options, parking is paid

South Fargo

Newer developments south of I-94 with modern apartments and shopping.

Pros: Modern apartments, affordable, safe, good shopping

Cons: Suburban, car-dependent, limited character

Moorhead, MN

The adjacent city across the river in Minnesota with affordable housing.

Pros: Affordable, Minnesota state benefits, close to Fargo hospitals

Cons: Different state taxes, limited nightlife, car-dependent

Island Park area

Residential area near Island Park with tree-lined streets and proximity to hospitals.

Pros: Residential charm, close to hospitals, moderate rents, park access

Cons: Older housing, limited amenities, quiet at night

When choosing where to live, prioritize keeping your commute under 30 minutes whenever possible. Fargo is car-dependent with a limited MATBUS system. Commutes are very short, typically under 10 minutes. If you are unfamiliar with the area, connect with other travel nurses who have worked in Fargo through Facebook groups or online forums to get firsthand recommendations on neighborhoods.

Average Housing Costs

Housing costs in Fargo 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: $650 to $1,050 per month
• One-bedroom apartment: $800 to $1,250 per month
• Furnished apartment (travel nurse friendly): $1,000 to $1,600 per month

Fargo is affordable and your stipend stretches comfortably. Demand for travel nurses is strong due to the remote location and recruitment challenges.

Many travel nurses in Fargo 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 Fargo, ND 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 Fargo

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

1. Winter is extreme — Fargo is one of the coldest cities in the US. Temperatures can drop to -30 degrees with wind chill. Serious winter gear, a block heater for your car, and remote start are essential.

2. North Dakota has low state income tax — North Dakota has one of the lowest state income tax rates in the country.

3. Strong travel nurse demand — The difficulty of recruiting permanent staff to Fargo means consistent demand and often competitive pay packages.

4. The community is genuinely friendly — Fargo embodies Midwest friendliness. The community is welcoming and supportive of healthcare workers.

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

Fargo has a cost of living roughly at the national average despite its remote location. Groceries are at national norms. Gas is moderate. Dining is affordable.

When budgeting for your Fargo assignment, factor in all of your regular expenses beyond rent. Hornbacher’s, Walmart, and Aldi offer good grocery prices. Fargo’s growing downtown restaurant scene offers excellent value. 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. Fargo has plenty to offer whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and recharging between shifts.

• Plains Art Museum — The largest art museum in the Dakotas with rotating exhibitions and community programs.
• Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks Baseball — Minor league baseball at Newman Outdoor Field is affordable summer entertainment.
• Fargo Brewing Company and local breweries — A growing craft beer scene with several taprooms downtown.
• Cross-Country Skiing and Winter Activities — Embrace the winter with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing at nearby parks and lakes.

Take full advantage of your time in Fargo. 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

Fargo, North Dakota offers travel nurses strong travel nurse demand with competitive pay, a friendly Midwestern community, and an increasingly vibrant downtown despite the challenging winters. With Sanford Health and Essentia 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 Fargo, 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 Fargo assignments, our pay calculator can help you break down the numbers and understand your true compensation.

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