Travel Nurse Housing in Salt Lake City, Utah: Complete Guide

Salt Lake City is the capital of Utah, set in a stunning mountain valley with world-class skiing and outdoor recreation within minutes of downtown. Travel nurses will find a strong healthcare market anchored by Intermountain Health, no excessive state income tax, and access to some of the best outdoor adventure in the western United States.

SLC’s healthcare market is dominated by Intermountain Health, one of the most admired health systems in the country, along with University of Utah Health. Both systems consistently hire travel nurses across multiple specialties.

Whether you are heading to Salt Lake City 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. SLC 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

Salt Lake City 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.

University of Utah Hospital — A nationally ranked academic medical center and Level I trauma center. It serves as the primary referral center for the five-state Intermountain West region.

Intermountain Medical Center — The flagship of Intermountain Health located in Murray, south of downtown. It is a comprehensive medical center known for its cardiac and surgical programs.

Primary Children’s Hospital — One of the top pediatric hospitals in the western US, located on the University of Utah campus.

LDS Hospital — An Intermountain Health facility near downtown known for its cardiac and pulmonary programs.

Travel nurse demand in Salt Lake City is generally strong, with ICU, ED, med-surg, and OR being among the most frequently requested specialties. Contract availability tends to be strong year-round, though demand typically peaks during ski season in winter 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 Salt Lake City 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 SLC.

Sugar House

A popular residential neighborhood with walkable shops along 2100 South, Sugar House Park, and a mix of old and new housing.

Pros: Walkable commercial district, Sugar House Park, growing restaurant scene, moderate rents, close to I-80

Cons: Parking can be limited, gentrification has raised rents, traffic on 2100 South, older housing mixed with new

The Avenues

A historic hillside neighborhood north of downtown with charming Victorian homes, tree-lined streets, and proximity to LDS Hospital.

Pros: Historic charm, walkable to downtown and LDS Hospital, city views, quiet residential streets

Cons: Hilly terrain, limited parking, higher rents for quality homes, older housing stock

Downtown SLC

The city center with growing dining, nightlife, and proximity to TRAX light rail for commuting to hospitals.

Pros: TRAX access, growing restaurant scene, walkable, close to downtown hospitals, central location

Cons: Limited nightlife by major city standards, can feel quiet on weeknights, higher rents for new apartments

Murray and Midvale

Suburbs south of SLC near Intermountain Medical Center with affordable apartments and TRAX light rail access.

Pros: Close to Intermountain Medical Center, affordable, TRAX access to downtown, ample parking

Cons: Suburban feel, limited walkability, less character than SLC neighborhoods, farther from mountains

When choosing where to live, prioritize keeping your commute under 30 minutes whenever possible. SLC has a TRAX light rail system connecting downtown to the suburbs and the airport. FrontRunner commuter rail extends to Ogden and Provo. Many travel nurses drive, and commutes are generally under 25 minutes. Ski traffic on winter weekends can cause I-80 and I-215 congestion. If you are unfamiliar with the area, connect with other travel nurses who have worked in Salt Lake City through Facebook groups or online forums to get firsthand recommendations on neighborhoods.

Average Housing Costs

Housing costs in Salt Lake City 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: $1,100 to $1,700 per month
• Furnished apartment (travel nurse friendly): $1,350 to $2,100 per month

SLC’s rental market has tightened with population growth. Furnished apartments are available, and the TRAX light rail makes living in the southern suburbs practical for commuting to downtown hospitals. Start searching three to four weeks before your assignment.

Many travel nurses in Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City, UT 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 Salt Lake City

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

1. World-class skiing is 30 minutes away — Park City, Snowbird, Alta, and Brighton ski resorts are all within 30 to 45 minutes of downtown SLC. If you ski or snowboard, a winter SLC assignment is a dream.

2. Utah liquor laws are unique — Utah has distinctive alcohol regulations. Beer above 5% ABV must be purchased at state liquor stores. Bars require food menus. It is not as restrictive as it used to be, but it is different from other states.

3. Altitude and dry climate — SLC sits at about 4,300 feet. The altitude and extreme dryness require extra hydration and moisturizer.

4. Intermountain Health is nationally renowned — Intermountain Health is widely studied as a model of healthcare delivery. Working within their system provides valuable experience.

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

SLC has an above-average cost of living driven by rising housing costs. Groceries are slightly above national norms. Gas is moderate. Dining out is reasonably priced with a growing food scene. Utah has a state income tax.

When budgeting for your Salt Lake City assignment, factor in all of your regular expenses beyond rent. Smith’s (Kroger), WinCo, and Costco offer competitive grocery prices. SLC’s restaurant scene has expanded significantly with a growing number of excellent options. Free outdoor activities from hiking to skiing keep entertainment costs manageable. 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. Salt Lake City has plenty to offer whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and recharging between shifts.

• Skiing and Snowboarding — Park City, Snowbird, Alta, Brighton, and Solitude resorts are all within 45 minutes. Utah’s champagne powder is legendary.
• Hiking in the Wasatch — Trails for every ability level start right at the edge of the city. Ensign Peak, Bonneville Shoreline Trail, and Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons are popular.
• Great Salt Lake — Visit the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. Antelope Island State Park offers bison viewing and stunning sunsets.
• Temple Square — Visit the beautiful grounds of the LDS Church headquarters with gardens, historic buildings, and the Family History Library.

Take full advantage of your time in SLC. 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

Salt Lake City, Utah offers travel nurses a stunning mountain valley setting with nationally renowned hospital systems, world-class skiing, and an outdoor lifestyle that makes every day off an adventure. With Intermountain Health, University of Utah Health, and Primary Children’s Hospital 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 Salt Lake City, 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 Salt Lake City assignments, our pay calculator can help you break down the numbers and understand your true compensation.

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