Travel Nurse Housing in Las Vegas, Nevada: Complete Guide

Las Vegas is known worldwide for its entertainment, casinos, and nightlife, but beyond the Strip lies a rapidly growing metropolitan area with a strong and expanding healthcare market. For travel nurses, Vegas offers no state income tax, affordable housing off the Strip, and a unique living experience unlike any other city in the country.

Las Vegas has experienced rapid population growth, and its healthcare infrastructure has expanded to keep pace. Major systems include Sunrise Health (HCA), Valley Health System (UHS), and Dignity Health. University Medical Center of Southern Nevada serves as the region’s safety-net hospital and only Level I trauma center.

Whether you are heading to Las Vegas 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. Vegas 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

Las Vegas 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.

University Medical Center of Southern Nevada — Clark County’s public hospital and the only Level I trauma center in the state. UMC serves a massive, diverse population and offers travel nurses extremely high-volume, high-acuity experience.

Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center — An HCA facility and the largest acute care hospital in Nevada. Sunrise is a Level II trauma center with strong cardiac, neuroscience, and emergency programs.

MountainView Hospital — An HCA facility in the northwest Valley known for its cardiac and robotic surgery programs and a growing number of travel nurse contracts.

Valley Hospital Medical Center — Part of the Universal Health Services system, Valley Hospital is located near the Strip and downtown and serves a diverse patient population with comprehensive services.

Dignity Health St. Rose Dominican — Operating multiple campuses in Henderson and southern Las Vegas, St. Rose hospitals offer community-based care and are popular travel nurse destinations.

Travel nurse demand in Las Vegas is generally strong and growing, with ICU, ED, med-surg, telemetry, and OR being among the most frequently requested specialties. Contract availability tends to be strong year-round, though demand typically peaks during winter when snowbirds arrive and during major convention events that increase the population temporarily. 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 Las Vegas 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 Vegas.

Summerlin

A large master-planned community in the western Valley near Red Rock Canyon. Summerlin offers modern apartments, shopping, dining, and a safe, family-friendly environment.

Pros: Safe and well-planned, close to Red Rock Canyon hiking, modern apartments, good restaurants, proximity to Summerlin Hospital

Cons: Farther from hospitals on the east side, car-dependent, suburban feel, higher rents for the area

Henderson

A large suburb south of Las Vegas consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in America. Henderson has its own downtown area, parks, and proximity to St. Rose hospitals.

Pros: Very safe, affordable rents, multiple St. Rose hospital campuses nearby, family-friendly

Cons: Suburban sprawl, car-dependent, farther from UMC and Sunrise, less nightlife than central Vegas

Downtown Las Vegas and Arts District

The Fremont East and Arts District areas have been revitalized with restaurants, bars, galleries, and new apartment buildings. They offer an urban living experience away from the Strip.

Pros: Walkable urban core, growing arts and dining scene, close to UMC and Valley Hospital, more affordable than the Strip area

Cons: Downtown can be gritty, safety concerns on some blocks, noise from Fremont Street Experience

Southwest Las Vegas

Newer residential developments in the southwest Valley offer affordable, modern apartments with easy access to Southern Hills Hospital and the 215 Beltway.

Pros: Affordable new construction, near Southern Hills Hospital, access to the 215 Beltway, quiet residential areas

Cons: Suburban sprawl, car-dependent for everything, limited dining and entertainment options, far from the Strip

When choosing where to live, prioritize keeping your commute under 30 minutes whenever possible. Las Vegas is very car-dependent with a limited bus system. The city has a grid layout that makes navigation straightforward, but the 15-mile sprawl between Henderson and the northwest Valley means location matters. Choose housing near your hospital. If you are unfamiliar with the area, connect with other travel nurses who have worked in Las Vegas through Facebook groups or online forums to get firsthand recommendations on neighborhoods.

Average Housing Costs

Housing costs in Las Vegas 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: $900 to $1,400 per month
• One-bedroom apartment: $1,050 to $1,700 per month
• Furnished apartment (travel nurse friendly): $1,300 to $2,100 per month

Las Vegas offers good value for travel nurse housing, with rents well below coastal cities. The off-Strip neighborhoods have abundant apartment options, many with furnished or short-term rental availability. Avoid living on or immediately adjacent to the Strip unless you want constant noise and tourist traffic.

Many travel nurses in Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas, NV 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 Las Vegas

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

1. No state income tax — Nevada has no state income tax, which is a major financial benefit. Combined with affordable housing, Vegas offers strong take-home pay for travel nurses.

2. Summer heat is extreme — Las Vegas summer temperatures routinely exceed 110 degrees from June through September. Your car dashboard can literally melt dashboard items. Ensure your apartment has working AC and budget for high electricity bills.

3. The Strip is not where you live — The Las Vegas Strip is for tourists. Locals live in the surrounding neighborhoods where rents are reasonable, grocery stores are normal, and life feels suburban. Do not base your housing expectations on Strip hotel prices.

4. 24-hour city perks — Las Vegas never closes. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and restaurants are open around the clock, which is perfect for nurses working night shifts or irregular schedules.

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

Las Vegas has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, making it very affordable for a city its size. Groceries are at or slightly above the national average. Gas is moderate. Dining out can range from cheap buffets to expensive celebrity chef restaurants, with plenty of affordable options in residential neighborhoods.

When budgeting for your Las Vegas assignment, factor in all of your regular expenses beyond rent. Smith’s (Kroger) and WinCo Foods are the best grocery options for value. Avoid eating at Strip restaurants, which charge tourist prices. Off-Strip neighborhoods have excellent and affordable dining, especially for Asian food in Chinatown along Spring Mountain Road, which has some of the best Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Japanese food in the country. 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. Las Vegas has plenty to offer whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and recharging between shifts.

• Red Rock Canyon — A stunning National Conservation Area just 20 minutes west of the city with a 13-mile scenic drive, hiking trails, and rock climbing. It is the best outdoor escape near Las Vegas.
• The Strip and Shows — Even locals enjoy the occasional show, restaurant, or people-watching trip to the Strip. World-class entertainment is right in your backyard.
• Chinatown Food Tour — Spring Mountain Road west of the Strip is one of the best Asian food corridors in the country, with outstanding Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, and Thai restaurants.
• Valley of Fire State Park — About an hour northeast of Las Vegas, this state park features stunning red sandstone formations, petroglyphs, and hiking trails in a dramatic desert landscape.
• Hoover Dam and Lake Mead — Visit the engineering marvel of Hoover Dam and enjoy boating, kayaking, or swimming at Lake Mead, just 30 minutes from the city.

Take full advantage of your time in Vegas. 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

Las Vegas, Nevada offers travel nurses no state income tax, affordable off-Strip housing, a rapidly growing healthcare market, and a unique 24-hour city experience with world-class entertainment and stunning desert scenery. With UMC, Sunrise Health, Valley Health System, and Dignity Health St. Rose Dominican 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 Las Vegas, 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 Las Vegas assignments, our pay calculator can help you break down the numbers and understand your true compensation.

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