Travel Nurse Housing in Key West, Florida: Complete Guide
Key West is the southernmost city in the continental United States, a tropical island at the end of the Overseas Highway with a bohemian culture, stunning sunsets, and no state income tax. Travel nurses find premium pay in this remote island setting.
Lower Keys Medical Center serves Key West and the Lower Keys.
Whether you are heading to Key West 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. Key West 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
Key West 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.
Lower Keys Medical Center — A community hospital providing emergency, medical, surgical, and specialty services to Key West and the surrounding Lower Keys.
Travel nurse demand in Key West is generally strong, with ED, med-surg, and ICU being among the most frequently requested specialties. Contract availability tends to be strong year-round, though demand typically peaks during winter tourist season (December-April) and hurricane 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 Key West 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 Key West.
Old Town
The historic heart of Key West with Victorian architecture, Duval Street, and walkable charm.
Pros: Walkable, historic, close to everything, island character
Cons: Very expensive, tourist crowds, noise, limited parking
New Town
A more modern residential area with shopping centers and chain stores.
Pros: More affordable, practical, grocery stores, parking available
Cons: Less character, car-helpful, suburban feel
Stock Island
A working-class island just east of Key West with a growing arts community.
Pros: Most affordable Key West area, growing arts scene, marina access
Cons: Less polished, farther from Old Town, limited dining
When choosing where to live, prioritize keeping your commute under 30 minutes whenever possible. Key West is tiny and bikeable. Most commutes are under 10 minutes. If you are unfamiliar with the area, connect with other travel nurses who have worked in Key West through Facebook groups or online forums to get firsthand recommendations on neighborhoods.
Average Housing Costs
Housing costs in Key West are 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: $1,400 to $2,200 per month
- One-bedroom apartment: $1,700 to $2,800 per month
- Furnished apartment (travel nurse friendly): $2,100 to $3,400 per month
Key West housing is extremely expensive and limited. Some employers offer housing assistance. Roommates are common even for experienced nurses.
Many travel nurses in Key West 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 Key West, FL 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 Key West
Every city has its own quirks and considerations when it comes to finding and securing travel nurse housing. Here are tips specific to Key West that will help you avoid common pitfalls, stretch your housing stipend further, and settle in more quickly.
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No state income tax — Florida’s no income tax advantage maximizes your take-home pay.
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Island living costs are high — Everything costs more on an island. Groceries, gas, and dining are significantly above mainland prices.
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Bike culture — Many Key West residents bike everywhere. A bicycle may be more practical than a car.
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Hurricane season runs June through November — Mandatory evacuations can occur. Understand your employer’s hurricane policy.
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
Key West’s cost of living is among the highest in Florida. Housing, groceries, and dining are all significantly above average due to island logistics.
When budgeting for your Key West assignment, factor in all of your regular expenses beyond rent. Winn-Dixie and Publix are the main grocery stores. Many residents drive to Marathon or order online for bulk purchases. 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. Key West has plenty to offer whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and recharging between shifts.
- Mallory Square Sunset Celebration — A nightly sunset festival with street performers, food, and arts at the waterfront.
- Snorkeling and Diving — Key West is surrounded by the only living coral reef in the continental US.
- Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum — Visit the famous author’s home, complete with six-toed cats.
- Dry Tortugas National Park — A stunning fort and snorkeling destination accessible by ferry or seaplane.
Take full advantage of your time in Key West. 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
Key West, Florida offers travel nurses America’s southernmost tropical island with premium travel nurse pay, year-round warmth, world-class diving, and a free-spirited culture unlike anywhere else in the country. With Lower Keys Medical Center and a well 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 Key West, 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 Key West assignments, our pay calculator can help you break down the numbers and understand your true compensation.
We wish you the best on your Key West assignment. It is a great place to be a travel nurse.