Travel Nurse Housing in San Antonio, Texas: Complete Guide

San Antonio is the seventh-largest city in the United States and a major healthcare hub in South Texas. Known for its rich cultural heritage, the famous River Walk, and the Alamo, San Antonio offers travel nurses a warm, welcoming community, affordable living, and the financial benefit of no state income tax.

San Antonio’s healthcare market is anchored by the South Texas Medical Center, a large complex of hospitals and clinics on the city’s northwest side. Major systems include Methodist Healthcare, University Health, Baptist Health System, and Christus Santa Rosa, all of which regularly recruit travel nurses.

Whether you are heading to San Antonio 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. San Antonio 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

San Antonio 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.

Methodist Hospital — The flagship of the Methodist Healthcare system and one of the largest hospitals in South Texas. Located in the South Texas Medical Center, it is known for its transplant programs, cardiovascular care, and high surgical volumes.

University Hospital — The primary teaching hospital for UT Health San Antonio, serving as the region’s only Level I trauma center. Travel nurses gain high-acuity experience with a diverse patient population in this safety-net hospital.

Baptist Medical Center — A large downtown hospital that is part of the Baptist Health System. It offers strong programs in cardiac care, orthopedics, and women’s health and serves a significant portion of the downtown and south side community.

Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) — Located at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, BAMC is one of the largest military hospitals in the country. Some travel nurse contracts are available through military staffing channels for nurses with appropriate clearances.

Christus Santa Rosa Hospital - Medical Center — Part of the Christus Health system, this facility in the Medical Center area provides a range of services and offers travel nurses a community hospital environment with strong support staff.

Travel nurse demand in San Antonio 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 summer months and winter flu 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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio.

Alamo Heights

An upscale enclave near the center of the city known for its tree-lined streets, excellent dining along Broadway, and proximity to the Pearl District. It is a favorite among healthcare professionals for its safety and neighborhood character.

Pros: Safe and well-maintained, excellent restaurants and shops, central location, close to several hospitals

Cons: Higher rents than the San Antonio average, limited public transit, parking can be tight near popular restaurants

The Pearl District and Southtown

The Pearl is a revitalized brewery complex turned mixed-use development with upscale restaurants, a weekend farmers market, and a vibrant arts scene. Adjacent Southtown adds galleries and eclectic dining options.

Pros: Walkable and vibrant, excellent dining and cultural attractions, close to downtown hospitals, trendy atmosphere

Cons: Higher rents due to popularity, limited furnished rental options, can be noisy on weekends

Medical Center Area

The neighborhoods surrounding the South Texas Medical Center on the northwest side offer the shortest commutes for nurses working at Methodist, University Health, or Christus Santa Rosa. Furnished apartments and extended-stay options are plentiful.

Pros: Very short commute to Medical Center hospitals, abundant furnished housing options, affordable rents, close to shopping and restaurants along Fredericksburg Road

Cons: Suburban feel with limited walkability, traffic congestion during shift changes, less neighborhood character than downtown areas

Stone Oak

A newer suburban area in far north San Antonio with modern apartment complexes, shopping centers, and a growing restaurant scene. It is near Methodist Stone Oak hospital and offers a quiet, family-friendly living environment.

Pros: New construction apartments, very safe, affordable rents, close to Stone Oak area hospitals

Cons: Far from downtown and the Medical Center, car-dependent for everything, suburban sprawl atmosphere

When choosing where to live, prioritize keeping your commute under 30 minutes whenever possible. San Antonio is a car-dependent city with a sprawling layout. Public transit is limited, so you will need a vehicle. Choose housing near your assigned hospital to minimize commute time, as cross-city drives can take 30 to 45 minutes during rush hour. If you are unfamiliar with the area, connect with other travel nurses who have worked in San Antonio through Facebook groups or online forums to get firsthand recommendations on neighborhoods.

Average Housing Costs

Housing costs in San Antonio are slightly below 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: $800 to $1,200 per month
• One-bedroom apartment: $950 to $1,500 per month
• Furnished apartment (travel nurse friendly): $1,200 to $1,900 per month

San Antonio is one of the most affordable large cities in Texas for travel nurse housing. Your stipend will stretch far here, and you should have no trouble finding furnished apartments or rooms well below your stipend amount. The Medical Center area has the most options for short-term furnished housing.

Many travel nurses in San Antonio 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 San Antonio, TX 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 San Antonio

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

1. No state income tax — Texas has no state income tax, which boosts your take-home pay significantly. Combined with San Antonio’s low cost of living, this makes assignments here some of the most financially rewarding in the country.

2. Prepare for hot summers — San Antonio summers are hot and humid, with temperatures regularly exceeding 100 degrees from June through September. Ensure your apartment has reliable air conditioning and budget for higher electricity bills during peak summer.

3. Explore the River Walk — The San Antonio River Walk is one of the city’s top attractions and runs right through downtown. Living near the River Walk gives you easy access to restaurants, shops, and events, though rents in this area tend to be higher.

4. Military city considerations — San Antonio has a large military presence with multiple bases. This means a significant portion of the patient population has TRICARE insurance, and some hospitals near bases have unique patient demographics.

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

San Antonio has a below-average cost of living that makes it extremely attractive for travel nurses looking to maximize savings. Groceries are at or slightly below the national average, with H-E-B supermarkets offering excellent prices and quality. Gas is typically among the cheapest in the country. Dining out is very affordable, especially at the city’s abundant Tex-Mex restaurants, barbecue joints, and taco trucks.

When budgeting for your San Antonio assignment, factor in all of your regular expenses beyond rent. Shop at H-E-B for the best combination of quality and value in groceries. The city’s Tex-Mex and barbecue restaurants offer large portions at very reasonable prices. Take advantage of the many free or low-cost cultural attractions including the Alamo, several missions, and River Walk events. 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. San Antonio has plenty to offer whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and recharging between shifts.

• The River Walk — San Antonio’s famous River Walk features miles of waterside dining, shopping, and entertainment along a scenic stretch of the San Antonio River running through downtown.
• The Alamo and San Antonio Missions — Visit the iconic Alamo and the four other Spanish colonial missions that make up the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Natural Bridge Caverns — Explore the largest commercial caverns in Texas, located about 30 minutes north of the city. The underground formations are spectacular and the temperature underground provides relief from summer heat.
• Pearl Farmers Market — Every Saturday and Sunday, the Pearl hosts a vibrant farmers market with local produce, artisan goods, and prepared foods. It is a great way to spend a morning off.

Take full advantage of your time in San Antonio. 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

San Antonio, Texas offers travel nurses exceptional affordability, no state income tax, a rich cultural heritage, and a warm community that welcomes travel nurses. With several major hospital systems including Methodist Healthcare, University Health, and Baptist Health System and a below 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 San Antonio, 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 San Antonio assignments, our pay calculator can help you break down the numbers and understand your true compensation.

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