Travel Nurse Housing in Phoenix, Arizona: Complete Guide

Phoenix is the fifth-largest city in the United States and the heart of a booming metropolitan area in the Sonoran Desert. With a rapidly growing population and expanding healthcare infrastructure, Phoenix offers travel nurses a strong job market, affordable housing compared to coastal cities, and over 300 days of sunshine per year.

The Phoenix metro area is served by several large hospital systems including Banner Health, Dignity Health, HonorHealth, and the Mayo Clinic. The region’s rapid population growth has driven significant investment in new hospital construction and expansion, creating consistent demand for travel nurses across all specialties.

Whether you are heading to Phoenix 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. Phoenix 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

Phoenix 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 University Medical Center Phoenix — The flagship academic hospital of Banner Health and a Level I trauma center affiliated with the University of Arizona College of Medicine. Travel nurses here encounter high-acuity cases and a strong teaching environment in the heart of downtown Phoenix.

Mayo Clinic Phoenix — One of three Mayo Clinic campuses in the country, located in northeast Phoenix. Known for its patient-centered care model and cutting-edge research programs, Mayo Clinic attracts travel nurses who want to work alongside top specialists.

HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn — Part of the HonorHealth system serving the northeast Valley, this hospital is a Level I trauma center known for its emergency medicine, orthopedics, and cardiac programs. It is one of the busiest trauma centers in Arizona.

Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital — Located in central Phoenix, St. Joseph’s is a long-established hospital known for its Barrow Neurological Institute, one of the world’s premier neuroscience centers. Travel nurses in neuro specialties find exceptional experience here.

Phoenix Children’s Hospital — The largest children’s hospital in the Southwest, located on the Central Phoenix campus. Pediatric travel nurses benefit from high volumes and a wide range of subspecialties.

Travel nurse demand in Phoenix is generally strong and growing, with ICU, ED, med-surg, telemetry, and neuro being among the most frequently requested specialties. Contract availability tends to be strong year-round, though demand typically peaks during winter months when the population swells with seasonal residents, and during summer when permanent staff take vacations. 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix.

Arcadia

Arcadia is an upscale neighborhood in central Phoenix known for its charming bungalows, mature trees, and proximity to Camelback Mountain. It offers a more walkable, neighborhood feel than many parts of the sprawling metro area and is centrally located for commutes to most major hospitals.

Pros: Beautiful neighborhood character, proximity to hiking at Camelback Mountain, central location, excellent restaurants along the Camelback corridor

Cons: Higher rents than outer suburbs, limited public transit, street parking only in most residential areas

Downtown Phoenix

Downtown Phoenix has undergone significant revitalization and now offers a growing urban core with restaurants, bars, sports venues, and cultural attractions. Several apartment complexes cater to short-term renters and are within commuting distance of Banner University Medical Center.

Pros: Walkable urban environment, close to Banner University Medical Center, light rail access, vibrant dining and nightlife scene, sports venues nearby

Cons: Can be very hot during summer with limited shade, noise from nightlife, higher rents than suburban areas

Tempe

Home to Arizona State University, Tempe offers a youthful, energetic atmosphere with plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment options along Mill Avenue. It is well-connected by the Valley Metro Light Rail and offers a good balance of affordability and convenience.

Pros: Light rail access, vibrant college-town atmosphere, affordable rents, close to multiple hospitals in the East Valley

Cons: Noise from ASU students especially on weekends, parking near Mill Avenue is limited, can feel very hot in summer without adequate shade

Scottsdale

Scottsdale is known for its upscale dining, art galleries, and desert beauty. Old Town Scottsdale offers a walkable entertainment district, while neighborhoods farther north provide quieter residential living near HonorHealth facilities.

Pros: Upscale dining and shopping, proximity to HonorHealth hospitals, beautiful desert scenery, generally safe neighborhoods

Cons: Higher rents especially in north Scottsdale, car-dependent, farther from hospitals in central and west Phoenix

Gilbert

A large suburb southeast of Phoenix, Gilbert offers family-friendly neighborhoods, affordable housing, and a growing downtown area along Heritage Boulevard. It is a good option for travel nurses working at Banner Gateway or Mercy Gilbert hospitals.

Pros: Very affordable rents, family-friendly and safe, growing dining and entertainment scene, newer apartment complexes

Cons: Suburban sprawl requiring a car for everything, farther from major hospitals in central Phoenix, less walkable than urban neighborhoods

When choosing where to live, prioritize keeping your commute under 30 minutes whenever possible. Phoenix is a sprawling, car-dependent metro area where you will need a vehicle for daily life. The Valley Metro Light Rail connects downtown Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa, but most commutes require driving. Factor in 20 to 40 minutes for typical commute distances. If you are unfamiliar with the area, connect with other travel nurses who have worked in Phoenix through Facebook groups or online forums to get firsthand recommendations on neighborhoods.

Average Housing Costs

Housing costs in Phoenix 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: $1,100 to $1,700 per month
• Furnished apartment (travel nurse friendly): $1,300 to $2,100 per month

Phoenix offers excellent value for travel nurses. Rents are significantly lower than coastal cities, and your housing stipend can stretch further here. The winter months from November through March bring higher demand for furnished housing as seasonal residents and snowbird travelers compete for the same inventory.

Many travel nurses in Phoenix 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 Phoenix, 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 Phoenix

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

1. Prepare for extreme summer heat — Phoenix summers are no joke, with temperatures regularly exceeding 110 degrees from June through September. Make sure your apartment has working air conditioning and expect higher electricity bills during peak summer. Many travel nurses prefer winter and spring assignments in Phoenix for the perfect weather.

2. Rent increases in winter — Phoenix is a snowbird destination, and housing demand spikes from November through April when seasonal residents arrive. If your assignment is during these months, book your housing early as furnished rental inventory tightens and prices increase.

3. No state income tax concerns — Arizona does have a state income tax, but the rate is relatively low. Combined with affordable housing and a moderate cost of living, Phoenix assignments still offer strong take-home pay compared to high-tax states.

4. Sun protection is essential — Even during your commute, the Arizona sun is intense. Keep sunscreen in your car, invest in a good pair of sunglasses, and use a windshield sun shade when parked. Staying hydrated is critical year-round.

5. Explore the desert landscape — Phoenix is surrounded by stunning Sonoran Desert scenery. Hiking Camelback Mountain, South Mountain Park, and the Superstition Mountains are must-do activities, but always hike early in the morning during warmer months and carry plenty of water.

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

Phoenix has a cost of living that is roughly in line with the national average, making it one of the more affordable major metropolitan areas. Groceries are close to the national average. Gas prices are typically moderate. Dining out is reasonably priced, with a wide range of options from affordable Mexican food to upscale Scottsdale restaurants. The biggest cost variable is electricity during summer months, when air conditioning can drive monthly utility bills to $200 to $300 or more.

When budgeting for your Phoenix assignment, factor in all of your regular expenses beyond rent. Shop at Fry’s Food Stores, the dominant local grocery chain, which offers competitive prices and a solid loyalty program. Take advantage of the many affordable Mexican and Southwestern restaurants throughout the Valley. Budget extra for your electricity bill during summer months. 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. Phoenix has plenty to offer whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and recharging between shifts.

• Camelback Mountain — One of the most popular hiking destinations in Phoenix, offering challenging trails with spectacular views of the Valley. Best tackled early in the morning, especially during warmer months.
• Desert Botanical Garden — A stunning 140-acre garden in Papago Park showcasing desert plants from around the world. It is especially beautiful during the spring wildflower season and the holiday luminaria events.
• Old Town Scottsdale — A walkable district with art galleries, restaurants, boutiques, and nightlife. Saturday mornings feature the Scottsdale Farmers Market, and the area comes alive on weekend evenings.
• Sedona Day Trip — Drive two hours north to Sedona for breathtaking red rock formations, world-class hiking, and a charming arts community. It is one of the most beautiful day trip destinations in the Southwest.
• Spring Training Baseball — If your assignment falls in February or March, catch Cactus League spring training games. Over a dozen MLB teams train in the Phoenix metro area, and tickets are affordable and easy to get.

Take full advantage of your time in Phoenix. 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

Phoenix, Arizona offers travel nurses a rapidly growing healthcare market with abundant sunshine, affordable living, and access to some of the most stunning desert scenery in the country. With major systems like Banner Health, Mayo Clinic, and HonorHealth 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 Phoenix, 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 Phoenix assignments, our pay calculator can help you break down the numbers and understand your true compensation.

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