Travel Nurse Housing in Mesa, Arizona: Complete Guide

Mesa is the third-largest city in Arizona and part of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. While often overshadowed by Phoenix and Scottsdale, Mesa has its own identity with a growing downtown, proximity to outdoor recreation, and several major hospitals that employ travel nurses.

Mesa’s healthcare facilities include Banner Desert Medical Center, Mountain Vista Medical Center, and Banner Baywood Medical Center. As part of the broader Phoenix metro healthcare market, Mesa travel nurses also have access to assignments throughout the East Valley.

Whether you are heading to Mesa 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. Mesa 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

Mesa 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.

Banner Desert Medical Center — A large Banner Health facility and verified Level I trauma center serving the East Valley. It handles high volumes in emergency, cardiac, and surgical services.

Mountain Vista Medical Center — A Steward Health hospital offering comprehensive acute care services to the Mesa community.

Banner Baywood Medical Center — Another Banner Health facility in Mesa focusing on cardiac care, orthopedics, and rehabilitation services.

Banner Gateway Medical Center — Located in nearby Gilbert, this Banner facility serves the rapidly growing southeastern Valley.

Travel nurse demand in Mesa 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 snowbirds increase the population. 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 Mesa 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 Mesa.

Downtown Mesa

Mesa’s downtown has seen significant revitalization with new restaurants, bars, and cultural venues along Main Street. The light rail extension connects it to Tempe and Phoenix.

Pros: Light rail access, growing restaurant scene, affordable rents, revitalized downtown area

Cons: Still developing in some areas, limited nightlife compared to Tempe or Scottsdale, some blocks are quiet at night

East Mesa and Superstition Springs

A newer suburban area near Superstition Springs Center mall with modern apartments and proximity to the Superstition Mountains.

Pros: Modern apartments, affordable, close to Superstition Mountains hiking, good shopping

Cons: Suburban sprawl, car-dependent, far from downtown attractions, limited character

Tempe (adjacent)

While technically a separate city, Tempe borders Mesa and offers a vibrant college-town atmosphere near ASU with dining, nightlife, and light rail access.

Pros: Vibrant nightlife and dining, light rail access, close to Mesa hospitals, active social scene

Cons: Higher rents than Mesa, noise from ASU students, limited parking near campus

Red Mountain area

A residential area in northeast Mesa near Red Mountain Park with newer homes, good schools, and hiking access.

Pros: Quiet and safe, close to Red Mountain hiking, affordable, family-friendly

Cons: Suburban, car-dependent, limited dining and nightlife, farther from light rail

When choosing where to live, prioritize keeping your commute under 30 minutes whenever possible. Mesa is car-dependent but benefits from the Valley Metro Light Rail along Main Street for connections to Tempe and Phoenix. East-west travel along the US-60 corridor is the primary commute route. If you are unfamiliar with the area, connect with other travel nurses who have worked in Mesa through Facebook groups or online forums to get firsthand recommendations on neighborhoods.

Average Housing Costs

Housing costs in Mesa 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: $850 to $1,300 per month
• One-bedroom apartment: $1,000 to $1,600 per month
• Furnished apartment (travel nurse friendly): $1,250 to $2,000 per month

Mesa offers some of the most affordable housing in the Phoenix metro area. Rents are lower than Phoenix, Scottsdale, or Tempe, and your stipend will stretch further here. Look near the light rail for the best transit access.

Many travel nurses in Mesa 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 Mesa, AZ 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 Mesa

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

1. Summer heat is extreme — Like the rest of the Phoenix metro, Mesa summers feature temperatures regularly exceeding 110 degrees. Air conditioning is non-negotiable.

2. Light rail is useful — The Valley Metro Light Rail connects Mesa to Tempe and Phoenix. If your hospital or lifestyle destinations are along the line, living near a station can save you driving headaches.

3. Spring training baseball — Mesa is home to the Chicago Cubs spring training facility. If your assignment falls in February or March, catch affordable Cactus League games.

4. Arizona Falls and outdoor access — Mesa is a gateway to outdoor adventures including the Superstition Mountains, Tonto National Forest, and Salt River tubing.

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

Mesa has a cost of living roughly at the national average, slightly lower than Phoenix or Scottsdale. Groceries are at national norms. Gas is moderate. Dining out is affordable with a good mix of chain and local restaurants.

When budgeting for your Mesa assignment, factor in all of your regular expenses beyond rent. Fry’s Food Stores and Winco offer competitive grocery prices. Mesa’s proximity to Mesa Riverview and Superstition Springs provides ample shopping options. The city’s many free hiking trails and parks keep entertainment costs low. 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. Mesa has plenty to offer whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and recharging between shifts.

• Superstition Mountains — Hike the famous Flatiron or Lost Dutchman trails in the Superstition Wilderness. The rugged desert scenery is spectacular, especially at sunrise.
• Salt River Tubing — Float down the Salt River on a tube during summer months. It is a quintessential Arizona experience and a fun way to cool off.
• Mesa Arts Center — The largest arts center in Arizona featuring galleries, theaters, and performances. Many shows are affordable or free.
• Usery Mountain Regional Park — Over 3,600 acres of desert trails with scenic views of the Valley and a popular spot for trail running and mountain biking.

Take full advantage of your time in Mesa. 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

Mesa, Arizona offers travel nurses an affordable base in the Phoenix metro area with strong hospitals, light rail access, and outstanding desert recreation just minutes away. With Banner Health facilities including Banner Desert Medical Center and Banner Baywood 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 Mesa, 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 Mesa assignments, our pay calculator can help you break down the numbers and understand your true compensation.

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