Travel Nurse Housing in Reno, Nevada: Complete Guide

Reno is the Biggest Little City in the World, nestled in the Sierra Nevada with access to Lake Tahoe, world-class skiing, and no state income tax. Travel nurses find a growing healthcare market and an outdoor lifestyle that rivals anywhere in the West.

Reno’s healthcare includes Renown Health and Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center.

Whether you are heading to Reno 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. Reno 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

Reno 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.

Renown Regional Medical Center — A Level II trauma center and the largest hospital in northern Nevada.

Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center — A community hospital with comprehensive services.

Renown Children’s Hospital — Northern Nevada’s pediatric specialty hospital.

Travel nurse demand in Reno 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 ski season and summer outdoor 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 Reno 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 Reno.

Midtown Reno

A walkable district with restaurants, bars, and shops along Virginia Street south of downtown.

Pros: Walkable, excellent dining and bars, community character, affordable

Cons: Can be noisy, limited parking, some blocks transitional

South Reno

Newer developments with mountain views and proximity to Mt. Rose highway.

Pros: Mountain views, modern apartments, safe, close to skiing

Cons: Higher rents, car-dependent, suburban

Sparks

An adjacent city east of Reno with affordable housing and the Victorian Square entertainment area.

Pros: Affordable, Victorian Square dining, safe, family-friendly

Cons: Suburban feel, car-dependent, limited character

Northwest Reno

Residential area with mountain access and newer developments.

Pros: Mountain access, newer homes, safe, scenic

Cons: Higher rents, car-dependent, far from hospitals

When choosing where to live, prioritize keeping your commute under 30 minutes whenever possible. Car-dependent. Compact city with commutes under 20 minutes. If you are unfamiliar with the area, connect with other travel nurses who have worked in Reno through Facebook groups or online forums to get firsthand recommendations on neighborhoods.

Average Housing Costs

Housing costs in Reno 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: $900 to $1,400 per month
• One-bedroom apartment: $1,050 to $1,700 per month
• Furnished apartment (travel nurse friendly): $1,350 to $2,100 per month

Reno has become more expensive with growth from California transplants. No state income tax helps offset higher housing costs.

Many travel nurses in Reno 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 Reno, NV 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 Reno

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

1. No state income tax — Nevada has no state income tax, which significantly boosts take-home pay.

2. Lake Tahoe is 45 minutes away — World-class skiing, hiking, and lake activities are right at your doorstep.

3. Reno is not just casinos — The Reno of today is an outdoor recreation hub with a growing food and arts scene.

4. Four real seasons — Reno has distinct seasons with snowy winters and warm, dry summers.

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

Reno’s cost of living is above the national average, driven by housing costs from population growth. No state income tax helps offset this.

When budgeting for your Reno assignment, factor in all of your regular expenses beyond rent. WinCo and Grocery Outlet offer budget grocery options. Midtown’s restaurants offer good value. Free outdoor activities are the city’s best asset. 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. Reno has plenty to offer whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and recharging between shifts.

• Lake Tahoe — One of the most beautiful alpine lakes in the world, just 45 minutes from Reno, with skiing, hiking, and beach access.
• Midtown District — Reno’s walkable restaurant and bar district with local eateries and craft cocktail bars.
• Mount Rose Ski Resort — The closest ski resort to Reno with beautiful Lake Tahoe views from the summit.
• Truckee River Walk — Walk along the Truckee River through downtown for a scenic urban trail experience.

Take full advantage of your time in Reno. 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

Reno, Nevada offers travel nurses the Biggest Little City with no state income tax, Lake Tahoe access, world-class skiing, and a growing healthcare market in a stunning Sierra Nevada setting. With Renown Health and Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center 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 Reno, 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 Reno assignments, our pay calculator can help you break down the numbers and understand your true compensation.

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