Travel Nurse Housing in Houston, Texas: Complete Guide

Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States and home to the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex in the world. For travel nurses, Houston offers an extraordinary concentration of healthcare facilities, no state income tax, and a cost of living that is remarkably affordable for a city of its size.

The Texas Medical Center alone contains over 60 institutions including hospitals, research facilities, and medical schools. Beyond the TMC, Houston has dozens of community hospitals, VA facilities, and specialty centers spread across its vast metropolitan area. Travel nurse demand in Houston is perpetual, driven by the sheer volume of patients and facilities.

Whether you are heading to Houston 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. Houston 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

Houston 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.

Houston Methodist Hospital — The flagship hospital of the Houston Methodist system, located in the Texas Medical Center. It is nationally ranked in multiple specialties including cardiology, orthopedics, and cancer care. Travel nurses here work in a state-of-the-art facility with high patient acuity.

MD Anderson Cancer Center — One of the world’s leading cancer treatment centers, part of the University of Texas system. Travel nurses in oncology, infusion, and ICU specialties find exceptional clinical experience here alongside world-renowned researchers.

Memorial Hermann - TMC — The flagship of the Memorial Hermann system and a Level I trauma center in the Texas Medical Center. It handles some of the highest trauma volumes in the region and is a top destination for ER and critical care travel nurses.

Ben Taub Hospital — Houston’s primary public safety-net hospital, operated by Harris Health. Ben Taub is a Level I trauma center known for its extremely high volumes and diverse patient population. Travel nurses here gain fast-paced, high-acuity experience.

Texas Children’s Hospital — The largest pediatric hospital in the United States, located in the Texas Medical Center. Pediatric travel nurses will find unmatched case complexity and volume at this nationally ranked institution.

Travel nurse demand in Houston is generally very high year-round, with ICU, oncology, ED, OR, and pediatric specialties being among the most frequently requested specialties. Contract availability tends to be strong year-round, though demand typically peaks during hurricane season in late summer and fall, and during winter respiratory illness surges. 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 Houston 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 Houston.

Montrose

Houston’s most eclectic and walkable neighborhood, located just west of downtown and close to the Texas Medical Center. Montrose features trendy restaurants, vintage shops, art galleries, and a vibrant nightlife scene. It is one of the few Houston neighborhoods where you can comfortably walk to shops and restaurants.

Pros: Walkable by Houston standards, diverse and welcoming community, excellent dining and nightlife, close to TMC and downtown hospitals

Cons: Higher rents than Houston average, parking can be tricky on popular streets, some flooding concerns during heavy rain events

Medical Center Area

The neighborhoods immediately surrounding the Texas Medical Center offer the shortest commutes for travel nurses working at TMC facilities. Areas like Braeswood Place and the Museum District provide residential streets within biking distance of work.

Pros: Walking or biking distance to TMC hospitals, proximity to Hermann Park and the museum district, moderate rents, good restaurant options along Rice Village

Cons: Limited nightlife, some areas feel primarily residential with less to do, can be congested during TMC shift changes

The Heights

Houston Heights is a charming neighborhood north of downtown with Victorian-era homes, locally-owned shops along 19th Street, and a strong community feel. It has become one of the most popular neighborhoods in Houston for young professionals.

Pros: Charming historic character, excellent local restaurants and coffee shops, strong community events, reasonable rents for the quality of the neighborhood

Cons: Farther from TMC hospitals requiring a 20 to 30 minute drive, limited public transit, flooding can be an issue in low-lying areas

Midtown

Located between downtown and the Medical Center, Midtown offers a lively urban experience with bars, restaurants, and easy access to the METRORail Red Line which connects directly to the TMC.

Pros: Central location, METRORail access to TMC, active nightlife and dining scene, walkable main strips along Bagby and Main Streets

Cons: Noise from nightlife on weekends, rents are increasing, street parking can be competitive on weekend evenings

When choosing where to live, prioritize keeping your commute under 30 minutes whenever possible. Houston is a sprawling, car-dependent city with notoriously bad traffic. Choosing housing close to your hospital is critical. If you are working in the TMC, the METRORail Red Line can be a useful alternative to driving during rush hour. If you are unfamiliar with the area, connect with other travel nurses who have worked in Houston through Facebook groups or online forums to get firsthand recommendations on neighborhoods.

Average Housing Costs

Housing costs in Houston are slightly 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: $900 to $1,400 per month
One-bedroom apartment: $1,100 to $1,700 per month
Furnished apartment (travel nurse friendly): $1,400 to $2,200 per month

Houston is one of the most affordable major cities for travel nurse housing. Your stipend will go further here than in most large metros, and you should be able to find quality furnished housing well below your stipend amount. Start searching three to four weeks before your assignment.

Many travel nurses in Houston 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 Houston, 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 Houston

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

Prepare for the heat — Houston’s summers are brutally hot and humid, with temperatures above 95 degrees and high humidity from May through September. Make sure your apartment has reliable air conditioning and budget for higher electricity bills during summer months.
Flood awareness is essential — Houston is prone to serious flooding during heavy rain events. Avoid ground-floor apartments in flood-prone areas, check FEMA flood maps for your neighborhood, and consider flood insurance for your belongings. Ask locals or other travel nurses about flooding history in specific complexes.
No state income tax — Texas has no state income tax, which means your take-home pay will be higher than in states like California, New York, or Illinois. This is a significant financial benefit that makes Houston assignments particularly lucrative.
You will need a car — Houston has limited public transit and is one of the most spread-out cities in the country. A car is essentially required for daily life, though nurses working in the TMC can sometimes use the METRORail for their commute.
Explore the food scene — Houston is one of the best food cities in America, with incredible Tex-Mex, Vietnamese, barbecue, and international cuisine at very affordable prices. Take advantage of this on your days off.

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

Houston’s cost of living is below the national average, making it one of the most affordable major cities for travel nurses. Groceries are roughly at or slightly below the national average. Gas is typically among the cheapest in the country. Dining out is very affordable, especially at the city’s abundant ethnic restaurants, taco trucks, and barbecue joints. The combination of low housing costs and no state income tax makes Houston one of the most financially rewarding travel nurse markets in the country.

When budgeting for your Houston assignment, factor in all of your regular expenses beyond rent. Houston’s low cost of living means you can pocket a significant portion of your housing stipend. Shop at H-E-B, the beloved Texas grocery chain known for quality and value. Explore the city’s incredible ethnic food corridors for affordable meals that rival restaurants in any major city. 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. Houston has plenty to offer whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and recharging between shifts.

Space Center Houston — Visit NASA’s Johnson Space Center and see real spacecraft, astronaut training facilities, and the historic Mission Control room. It is a must-visit attraction that is unique to Houston.
Hermann Park and Houston Zoo — A beautiful 445-acre urban park adjacent to the Texas Medical Center with a zoo, Japanese garden, pedal boats, and miles of walking trails. Perfect for decompressing after a shift.
Museum District — Houston’s Museum District features 19 museums, many of which offer free admission. The Museum of Fine Arts and the Menil Collection are world-class institutions worth multiple visits.
Buffalo Bayou Park — A 160-acre waterfront green space along Buffalo Bayou with hike and bike trails, kayak rentals, a dog park, and stunning views of the downtown skyline.
Galveston Island Day Trip — Head an hour south to Galveston for a beach day on the Gulf Coast, complete with the historic Strand District, seafood restaurants, and Moody Gardens.

Take full advantage of your time in Houston. 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

Houston, Texas offers travel nurses an incredibly strong job market with the Texas Medical Center, no state income tax, very affordable living costs, and a diverse and welcoming culture. With the Texas Medical Center and dozens of major hospital systems throughout the metro area and a below 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 Houston, 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 Houston assignments, our pay calculator can help you break down the numbers and understand your true compensation.

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