Travel Nurse Housing in Sacramento, California: Complete Guide

Sacramento is California’s capital city and one of the most affordable major cities in the state. Situated at the confluence of the Sacramento and American rivers, the city offers travel nurses strong hospital systems, a thriving farm-to-fork food scene, and a quality of life that has attracted a growing number of Bay Area transplants.

Sacramento’s healthcare market includes UC Davis Medical Center, Sutter Health, Dignity Health, and Kaiser Permanente. As the state capital and a growing metro area, Sacramento has consistent demand for travel nurses across all major specialties.

Whether you are heading to Sacramento 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. Sac 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

Sacramento 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.

UC Davis Medical Center — The region’s only Level I trauma center and a nationally ranked academic medical center. Travel nurses gain high-acuity experience in a premier teaching environment.

Sutter Medical Center Sacramento — The flagship of the Sutter Health system in the Sacramento region, located on a new campus with state-of-the-art facilities.

Mercy General Hospital — A Dignity Health facility known for its cardiac care programs and comprehensive medical services.

Kaiser Permanente Sacramento Medical Center — A large Kaiser facility serving the Sacramento Valley membership with consistent travel nurse demand.

Travel nurse demand in Sacramento 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 winter flu season and summer 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 Sacramento 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 Sac.

Midtown Sacramento

Sacramento’s most walkable and vibrant neighborhood with a grid of tree-lined streets, farm-to-fork restaurants, craft breweries, and boutique shops. It is the cultural heart of the city.

Pros: Extremely walkable, Sacramento’s best dining and nightlife, tree-lined streets, close to downtown hospitals, Second Saturday art walk

Cons: Higher rents for Sacramento, parking is limited, noise from nightlife on weekends

East Sacramento and Fab 40s

A beautiful residential neighborhood known for its tree canopy, the Fabulous Forties historic district, and McKinley Park. It offers a more residential feel near Sutter Hospital.

Pros: Beautiful tree-lined streets, McKinley Park, safe residential character, close to Sutter Hospital

Cons: Higher rents, car-dependent for nightlife, quiet at night, limited furnished options

Curtis Park

A diverse neighborhood south of Midtown with a community park, local restaurants, and proximity to UC Davis Medical Center.

Pros: Close to UC Davis Medical Center, diverse community, affordable rents, neighborhood park

Cons: Some blocks require awareness, limited walkable commercial areas, car needed for most errands

Natomas

A newer suburban area north of downtown near the Sacramento airport with modern apartments and affordable rents.

Pros: Affordable new construction, easy freeway access, quiet residential areas, close to shopping

Cons: Flood zone concerns, suburban feel, car-dependent, far from Midtown nightlife

When choosing where to live, prioritize keeping your commute under 30 minutes whenever possible. Sacramento has a light rail system (RT) connecting downtown to suburbs, but most travel nurses drive. Traffic is manageable compared to the Bay Area, with most commutes under 25 minutes. If you are unfamiliar with the area, connect with other travel nurses who have worked in Sacramento through Facebook groups or online forums to get firsthand recommendations on neighborhoods.

Average Housing Costs

Housing costs in Sacramento 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 $2,300 per month

Sacramento is significantly more affordable than the Bay Area while still in California. Furnished apartments are available, especially in Midtown and near hospital campuses. Your stipend should cover comfortable housing with room to spare.

Many travel nurses in Sacramento 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 Sacramento, CA 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 Sacramento

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

1. Farm-to-fork capital — Sacramento calls itself America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital due to its proximity to California’s agricultural heartland. The food scene is excellent and emphasizes local, seasonal ingredients.

2. Summer heat is serious — Sacramento summers are hot and dry, with temperatures frequently exceeding 100 degrees from June through September. Air conditioning is essential.

3. California income tax applies — Sacramento’s affordability advantage is partially offset by California’s high state income tax. Factor this into pay package comparisons.

4. Bay Area proximity — San Francisco is less than two hours away by car or train, making day trips to the coast and Bay Area attractions easy on your days off.

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

Sacramento’s cost of living is above the national average but well below the Bay Area. Groceries are slightly above average. Gas follows California’s higher prices. Dining out offers excellent value, especially at the city’s acclaimed farm-to-fork restaurants.

When budgeting for your Sacramento assignment, factor in all of your regular expenses beyond rent. Grocery Outlet, WinCo, and Raley’s offer good grocery values. Sacramento’s Midtown farmers market and farm-to-fork restaurants offer outstanding food at reasonable prices. The city’s many parks and river trails provide free recreation. 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. Sacramento has plenty to offer whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and recharging between shifts.

• American River Parkway — Over 30 miles of paved trails along the American River for biking, running, and kayaking. It is one of the best urban river trails in the country.
• Old Sacramento — A historic waterfront district with wooden sidewalks, museums, and restaurants along the Sacramento River. The California State Railroad Museum is a highlight.
• Midtown Restaurant Scene — Explore Sacramento’s acclaimed farm-to-fork dining along the Midtown grid, with restaurants like Mulvaney’s B&L and The Kitchen offering locally sourced menus.
• Lake Tahoe Day Trip — Lake Tahoe is about two hours east via I-80. Enjoy the stunning alpine lake for skiing in winter or hiking and beach days in summer.

Take full advantage of your time in Sac. 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

Sacramento, California offers travel nurses an affordable California city with strong hospitals, America’s best farm-to-fork food scene, and easy access to Lake Tahoe and San Francisco. With UC Davis Medical Center, Sutter Health, Dignity Health, and Kaiser Permanente 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 Sacramento, 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 Sacramento assignments, our pay calculator can help you break down the numbers and understand your true compensation.

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