Travel Nurse Housing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Complete Guide

Philadelphia is the sixth-largest city in the United States and one of the most historically significant cities in the country. For travel nurses, Philly offers a robust healthcare market anchored by world-class academic medical centers, a compact and walkable urban core, and a cost of living that is significantly lower than nearby New York City and Washington DC.

Philadelphia is home to an extraordinary concentration of hospitals and medical schools. The city’s healthcare ecosystem includes prestigious institutions like the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, and Temple University Hospital, along with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, one of the top pediatric hospitals in the world.

Whether you are heading to Philadelphia 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. Philly 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

Philadelphia 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.

Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) — The flagship hospital of the Penn Medicine system, located in the University City neighborhood. HUP is nationally ranked in multiple specialties and offers travel nurses a premier academic medical center experience with cutting-edge facilities.

Thomas Jefferson University Hospital — Located in Center City Philadelphia, Jefferson is a major academic medical center known for its transplant programs, cancer care, and neuroscience. Its central location makes it accessible from many Philadelphia neighborhoods.

Temple University Hospital — Situated in North Philadelphia, Temple is a Level I trauma center serving a diverse urban population. Travel nurses here gain high-volume, high-acuity experience in a teaching hospital environment.

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) — Consistently ranked as one of the top pediatric hospitals in the nation, CHOP is located in the University City area and attracts pediatric travel nurses from across the country seeking top-tier clinical experience.

Penn Presbyterian Medical Center — Part of the Penn Medicine system in West Philadelphia, Penn Presby is known for its trauma, emergency, and surgical programs. It offers travel nurses a slightly different environment than the main HUP campus.

Travel nurse demand in Philadelphia is generally consistently strong, with ICU, ED, med-surg, OR, and pediatric specialties being among the most frequently requested specialties. Contract availability tends to be strong year-round, though demand typically peaks during winter flu season and summer vacation months. 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 Philadelphia 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 Philly.

Center City

Philadelphia’s downtown core offers a walkable urban experience with historic landmarks, excellent restaurants, and easy access to public transit. It is centrally located for commutes to Jefferson and many other hospitals. The Rittenhouse Square area is particularly popular with young professionals and healthcare workers.

Pros: Extremely walkable, central location for commutes, abundant dining and cultural attractions, proximity to Rittenhouse Square park

Cons: Higher rents than other Philadelphia neighborhoods, parking is expensive and scarce, noise from nightlife in some areas

University City

Home to the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University, this neighborhood in West Philadelphia is the obvious choice for travel nurses working at HUP, CHOP, or Penn Presbyterian. It has a collegial atmosphere with cafes, restaurants, and good transit connections.

Pros: Walking distance to Penn Medicine and CHOP campuses, SEPTA trolley and bus access, diverse dining options, moderate rents for the quality of the area

Cons: Some blocks transition quickly in terms of safety, limited parking, can feel dominated by students during the academic year

Fishtown

Once a working-class neighborhood, Fishtown has become one of Philadelphia’s trendiest areas with independent restaurants, craft breweries, and a thriving arts scene. It offers a more affordable alternative to Center City with a vibrant community feel.

Pros: Trendy dining and nightlife scene, strong community atmosphere, more affordable than Center City, walkable main streets on Frankford Avenue and Girard Avenue

Cons: Farther from hospitals in University City and Center City, limited public transit connections, street parking can be competitive

Manayunk

A charming neighborhood along the Schuylkill River in Northwest Philadelphia, Manayunk features a walkable main street with shops and restaurants, a towpath trail for running and biking, and a more suburban feel than Center City.

Pros: Walkable Main Street, scenic towpath trail along the river, more affordable rents, quieter residential feel

Cons: Steeper commute to most hospitals, hilly terrain, limited public transit options, fewer furnished rental options

South Philadelphia

South Philly is a diverse neighborhood known for the Italian Market, the sports stadiums, and a strong community identity. It offers affordable rents and a genuine neighborhood experience.

Pros: Very affordable rents, excellent Italian and Vietnamese food, authentic Philadelphia neighborhood character, close to stadiums and FDR Park

Cons: Farther from hospitals in University City and North Philadelphia, street parking requires a permit, some blocks can feel less safe at night

When choosing where to live, prioritize keeping your commute under 30 minutes whenever possible. Philadelphia is one of the most walkable cities in America, and SEPTA provides bus, subway, trolley, and regional rail service throughout the metro area. Many travel nurses commute by bike, transit, or on foot depending on where they live and work. If you are unfamiliar with the area, connect with other travel nurses who have worked in Philadelphia through Facebook groups or online forums to get firsthand recommendations on neighborhoods.

Average Housing Costs

Housing costs in Philadelphia are slightly above 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: $1,000 to $1,600 per month
One-bedroom apartment: $1,200 to $1,900 per month
Furnished apartment (travel nurse friendly): $1,500 to $2,400 per month

Philadelphia offers good value for travel nurse housing, especially compared to neighboring markets like New York and DC. Furnished apartments and rooms in shared houses are widely available near the major hospital campuses. The market is competitive but not as fast-moving as NYC, giving you a bit more time to find the right place.

Many travel nurses in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia

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

Consider biking to work — Philadelphia is a very bikeable city with protected bike lanes, the Schuylkill River Trail, and a flat terrain in most areas. If your hospital is within a few miles of your apartment, biking can be faster and cheaper than driving or taking transit.
Budget for the Philadelphia wage tax — Philadelphia levies a city wage tax of approximately 3.75 percent on all income earned in the city, regardless of where you live. This is in addition to Pennsylvania state income tax. Factor this into your pay package calculations.
Parking permits are neighborhood-specific — If you bring a car, most residential neighborhoods require a parking permit for street parking. These permits are zone-specific, so make sure your parking permit matches your address zone.
Layer for four seasons — Philadelphia has four distinct seasons with cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers. Pack accordingly and be prepared for weather changes throughout your assignment.
Explore the food scene beyond cheesesteaks — While you absolutely should try a proper Philly cheesesteak from Pat’s, Geno’s, or a neighborhood favorite, Philadelphia has one of the best restaurant scenes on the East Coast, with incredible Italian food in South Philly, a thriving Chinatown, and nationally acclaimed fine dining options in Center City.

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

Philadelphia’s cost of living is above the national average but well below New York City and Washington DC. Groceries are about 5 to 10 percent above the national average. Gas prices are moderate for the Northeast. Dining out is very accessible, with excellent meals available at all price points. The city wage tax is an additional cost to be aware of, though many travel nurses find that Philadelphia’s lower rent prices more than offset this tax burden.

When budgeting for your Philadelphia assignment, factor in all of your regular expenses beyond rent. Take advantage of Reading Terminal Market for fresh produce, meats, and prepared foods at reasonable prices. Aldi and ShopRite offer affordable grocery options. Philadelphia’s BYO restaurant culture means many excellent restaurants allow you to bring your own wine, saving significantly on drink costs. 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. Philadelphia has plenty to offer whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and recharging between shifts.

Historic Philadelphia — Walk through American history at Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Constitution Center. Most historic sites are free or very inexpensive and concentrated in the walkable Old City area.
Philadelphia Museum of Art — Run the famous Rocky steps and then explore the world-class art collections inside. The museum offers pay-what-you-wish admission on certain days.
Schuylkill River Trail — A paved trail running along the river through the heart of the city, perfect for running, biking, or a peaceful walk. The Boathouse Row section is especially scenic at night when the buildings are illuminated.
Reading Terminal Market — One of America’s oldest and largest public markets, featuring over 80 vendors selling everything from Amish farm products to authentic Philly soft pretzels. It is a must-visit for food lovers.
Day Trips to the Shore — The New Jersey Shore beaches are about 60 to 90 minutes from Philadelphia. Atlantic City, Cape May, and Long Beach Island make excellent day trips during warmer months.

Take full advantage of your time in Philly. 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

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania offers travel nurses a rich concentration of prestigious hospitals, a walkable and historic urban core, and a cost of living that offers genuine value compared to other major Northeast cities. With multiple nationally ranked academic medical centers including Penn Medicine, Jefferson, and CHOP and a 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 Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia assignments, our pay calculator can help you break down the numbers and understand your true compensation.

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