Travel Nurse Housing in Moab, Utah: Complete Guide
Moab is a small desert adventure town in eastern Utah, gateway to Arches and Canyonlands national parks and a mecca for mountain biking, rock climbing, and off-roading. Travel nurses find seasonal demand at the local hospital in one of the most geologically stunning landscapes in America.
Moab Regional Hospital is the sole hospital serving the area.
Whether you are heading to Moab 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. Moab 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
Moab 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.
Moab Regional Hospital — A critical access hospital with emergency and medical services serving Grand County and the surrounding red-rock country.
Travel nurse demand in Moab is generally seasonal, with ED and med-surg being among the most frequently requested specialties. Contract availability tends to be strong year-round, though demand typically peaks during spring and fall tourist seasons (March-May and September-November). 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 Moab 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 Moab.
Downtown Moab
The main strip along Highway 191 with restaurants, shops, and outfitters.
Pros: Close to hospital, restaurants, practical, walking distance to shops
Cons: Tourist traffic, hot summers, limited housing, higher seasonal rents
Spanish Valley
A residential area south of town with more space.
Pros: More affordable, more space, residential, quieter
Cons: Car-dependent, farther from hospital, limited services
Castle Valley
A scenic community about 20 minutes northeast on the La Sal Mountain loop road.
Pros: Stunning scenery, quiet, space, mountain views
Cons: Remote, unpaved roads, car-dependent, very limited services
When choosing where to live, prioritize keeping your commute under 30 minutes whenever possible. Car required. Moab is small. Most commutes are under 10 minutes. If you are unfamiliar with the area, connect with other travel nurses who have worked in Moab through Facebook groups or online forums to get firsthand recommendations on neighborhoods.
Average Housing Costs
Housing costs in Moab 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: $800 to $1,400 per month
- One-bedroom apartment: $1,000 to $1,700 per month
- Furnished apartment (travel nurse friendly): $1,300 to $2,100 per month
Moab’s housing market is extremely tight due to tourism and limited inventory. Spring and fall are the hardest times to find housing. Agency housing may be necessary.
Many travel nurses in Moab 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 Moab, UT 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 Moab
Every city has its own quirks and considerations when it comes to finding and securing travel nurse housing. Here are tips specific to Moab that will help you avoid common pitfalls, stretch your housing stipend further, and settle in more quickly.
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Extreme tourism pressure on housing — Moab’s housing crisis is well-documented. Start searching very early.
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Summer heat is intense — June through August temperatures exceed 100°F regularly.
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Two national parks at your doorstep — Arches and Canyonlands national parks are both within 30 minutes.
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Mountain biking capital — Moab’s slickrock trails are legendary in the mountain biking world.
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
Moab’s cost of living is elevated for a small Utah town due to tourism pressure on housing and limited retail options.
When budgeting for your Moab assignment, factor in all of your regular expenses beyond rent. City Market is the main grocery store. Dining is tourist-priced. Many residents drive to Grand Junction (2 hours) for larger shopping. 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. Moab has plenty to offer whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and recharging between shifts.
- Arches National Park — Over 2,000 natural stone arches including Delicate Arch, Utah’s most iconic landmark.
- Canyonlands National Park — Vast canyonlands carved by the Colorado and Green rivers with hiking, overlooks, and 4x4 roads.
- Slickrock Mountain Biking — World-famous mountain biking trails on Moab’s distinctive sandstone slickrock.
- Colorado River Rafting — Whitewater and scenic float trips through red-rock canyons on the Colorado River.
Take full advantage of your time in Moab. 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
Moab, Utah offers travel nurses a Utah desert adventure town with two national parks, world-class mountain biking, Colorado River rafting, and travel nursing at Moab Regional Hospital in one of the most geologically spectacular landscapes on Earth. With Moab Regional Hospital and a above average for the area 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 Moab, 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 Moab assignments, our pay calculator can help you break down the numbers and understand your true compensation.
We wish you the best on your Moab assignment. It is a great place to be a travel nurse.