Travel Nurse Housing in Omaha, Nebraska: Complete Guide

Omaha is Nebraska’s largest city and a Midwest gem that consistently ranks among the best places to live in the United States. With a thriving food scene, Warren Buffett’s hometown charm, and a very affordable cost of living, Omaha offers travel nurses strong hospital systems and exceptional value for money.

Omaha’s healthcare market is anchored by Nebraska Medicine (affiliated with the University of Nebraska Medical Center), CHI Health, and Methodist Health System. UNMC is a nationally recognized leader in biocontainment and infectious disease. Travel nurse demand is consistent across most specialties.

Whether you are heading to Omaha 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. Omaha 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

Omaha 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.

Nebraska Medical Center — The primary teaching hospital of UNMC and a national leader in transplant surgery, cancer care, and infectious disease. It gained national attention for its biocontainment unit and offers travel nurses an exceptional academic experience.

CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center - Bergan Mercy — A large Catholic hospital system affiliated with Creighton University, offering comprehensive medical and surgical services across multiple campuses.

Methodist Hospital — The largest hospital in the Methodist Health System with strong cardiac, surgical, and emergency programs.

Children’s Hospital and Medical Center — The region’s pediatric specialty hospital providing comprehensive care for children across Nebraska and neighboring states.

Travel nurse demand in Omaha is generally steady, 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 flu 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 Omaha 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 Omaha.

Dundee-Happy Hollow

A charming residential neighborhood with walkable streets, local restaurants, and the Dundee Dell along Underwood Avenue. It is close to UNMC and popular with medical professionals.

Pros: Walkable Underwood Avenue, close to UNMC, charming residential streets, excellent local restaurants

Cons: Higher rents for Omaha, limited parking near restaurants, older housing stock

Blackstone District

A revitalized entertainment district along Farnam Street with breweries, restaurants, and live music venues. It is close to UNMC and has become one of Omaha’s most popular neighborhoods.

Pros: Vibrant nightlife and dining, close to UNMC, walkable entertainment district, growing arts scene

Cons: Noise from entertainment venues, limited parking on weekends, higher rents

Midtown Crossing

A mixed-use development near UNMC with restaurants, shops, a park, and modern apartment buildings. It offers a convenient and walkable living experience.

Pros: Walkable to UNMC, modern apartments, on-site dining and shopping, Turner Park events

Cons: Higher rents for new construction, limited neighborhood character, can feel commercial

Aksarben Village

A redeveloped area south of UNMC with restaurants, shops, and modern apartments built on the site of the former Aksarben racetrack.

Pros: Modern apartments, close to UNMC, growing restaurant scene, walkable design

Cons: Newer development still maturing, higher rents, limited historic character

When choosing where to live, prioritize keeping your commute under 30 minutes whenever possible. Omaha is car-dependent with a limited bus system. The city is relatively compact, and most commutes take 15 to 20 minutes. Traffic is minimal compared to larger cities. If you are unfamiliar with the area, connect with other travel nurses who have worked in Omaha through Facebook groups or online forums to get firsthand recommendations on neighborhoods.

Average Housing Costs

Housing costs in Omaha 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: $700 to $1,100 per month
• One-bedroom apartment: $850 to $1,350 per month
• Furnished apartment (travel nurse friendly): $1,100 to $1,700 per month

Omaha is very affordable for travel nurse housing. Your stipend will go far, especially in the Dundee, Blackstone, and Midtown areas near UNMC. Furnished apartments and rooms in shared houses are available at very reasonable prices.

Many travel nurses in Omaha 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 Omaha, NE 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 Omaha

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

1. Nebraska winters are cold — Omaha winters feature snow, ice, and below-zero temperatures from December through March. Budget for winter gear and be prepared for icy driving conditions.

2. The food scene is excellent — Omaha has an impressive food scene for its size, with excellent steakhouses, farm-to-table restaurants, and a growing craft beer community.

3. UNMC is nationally recognized — The University of Nebraska Medical Center is one of the top academic medical centers in the Midwest. Having UNMC on your resume is a valuable credential.

4. The city is genuinely friendly — Omaha embodies Midwestern hospitality. Travel nurses frequently remark on how welcoming and helpful the local community is.

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

Omaha has a below-average cost of living that offers excellent value. Groceries are at or below the national average. Gas is cheap. Dining out is very affordable with an impressive range of options. Nebraska has a state income tax, but the overall low cost of living makes Omaha a strong financial choice.

When budgeting for your Omaha assignment, factor in all of your regular expenses beyond rent. Hy-Vee and Baker’s are popular grocery chains with competitive prices. Omaha’s steakhouse tradition means you can enjoy a quality steak dinner for far less than in most cities. The city’s parks and trail system provide free recreation year-round. 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. Omaha has plenty to offer whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and recharging between shifts.

• Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium — Consistently ranked as one of the best zoos in the world, featuring the Desert Dome, indoor rainforest, and Kingdoms of the Night exhibit.
• Old Market — Omaha’s historic warehouse district with cobblestone streets, galleries, restaurants, and shops. It is the city’s main entertainment and dining district.
• Lauritzen Gardens — A 100-acre botanical garden with seasonal displays, a model railroad garden, and the Kenefick Park train collection.
• Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge — Walk or jog across this pedestrian bridge spanning the Missouri River from Omaha to Council Bluffs, Iowa. You can stand in two states at once.

Take full advantage of your time in Omaha. 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

Omaha, Nebraska offers travel nurses an affordable and welcoming Midwest city with nationally recognized hospital systems, an excellent food scene, and a quality of life that consistently exceeds expectations. With Nebraska Medicine, CHI Health, and Methodist Health System 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 Omaha, 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 Omaha assignments, our pay calculator can help you break down the numbers and understand your true compensation.

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