Travel Nurse Housing in Savannah, Georgia: Complete Guide

Savannah is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the American South, with cobblestone streets, moss-draped oaks, and charming town squares. Travel nurses will find a welcoming community, affordable living, and a unique Southern experience in this coastal Georgia gem.

Savannah’s healthcare market is served by Memorial Health (HCA) and St. Joseph’s/Candler (part of St. Joseph’s Hospital). Memorial Health is a Level I trauma center and the largest hospital on the Georgia coast.

Whether you are heading to Savannah 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. Savannah 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

Savannah 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.

Memorial Health University Medical Center — A Level I trauma center and teaching hospital affiliated with Mercer University School of Medicine. It is the largest hospital on the Georgia coast.

St. Joseph’s Hospital — Part of St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System, one of the oldest continually operating hospitals in the country.

Candler Hospital — Another St. Joseph’s/Candler facility offering comprehensive medical services to the Savannah community.

Travel nurse demand in Savannah is generally steady, 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 spring tourist season 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 Savannah 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 Savannah.

Historic District

Savannah’s famous downtown with 22 picturesque squares, historic homes, restaurants, and walkable streets.

Pros: Stunningly beautiful, walkable, restaurants and nightlife, close to Memorial Health, historic charm

Cons: Higher rents, tourist crowds especially on weekends, parking is limited, humidity in summer

Starland District

An artsy neighborhood south of the Historic District with coffee shops, boutiques, and a growing restaurant scene.

Pros: Growing arts and dining scene, more affordable than Historic District, walkable, creative community

Cons: Still developing, limited housing options, some transitional blocks, parking can be tight

Ardsley Park and Midtown

A residential neighborhood with tree-lined streets, Habersham Village shops, and a quieter atmosphere.

Pros: Safe residential streets, Habersham Village shopping, moderate rents, tree-lined beauty

Cons: Car-dependent for hospital commutes, quiet nightlife, limited furnished options

Pooler and Savannah suburbs

Suburban areas west of Savannah with newer apartments, shopping, and lower rents.

Pros: Affordable, new construction, safe, ample parking, close to I-95 and Savannah airport

Cons: Suburban sprawl, car-dependent, no walkability, no character compared to downtown

When choosing where to live, prioritize keeping your commute under 30 minutes whenever possible. Savannah is car-dependent outside of the walkable Historic District. CAT bus service is limited. The city is compact, and commutes are typically under 20 minutes. If you are unfamiliar with the area, connect with other travel nurses who have worked in Savannah through Facebook groups or online forums to get firsthand recommendations on neighborhoods.

Average Housing Costs

Housing costs in Savannah 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 $1,300 per month
• One-bedroom apartment: $950 to $1,500 per month
• Furnished apartment (travel nurse friendly): $1,200 to $1,900 per month

Savannah is very affordable. Your stipend will stretch far, especially outside the Historic District. The Historic District commands higher rents but offers a unique living experience. Consider the Starland District or Midtown for a balance of character and value.

Many travel nurses in Savannah 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 Savannah, GA 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 Savannah

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

1. Summer heat and humidity are intense — Savannah summers are hot, humid, and buggy from June through September. Air conditioning is essential and you will want insect repellent for outdoor activities.

2. The Historic District is magical — Living in the Historic District is one of the most unique experiences in American travel nursing. Walking to dinner through centuries-old squares lit by gas lamps is unforgettable.

3. Georgia is not a compact state — Georgia does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact, so you will need a Georgia license.

4. Tybee Island is 20 minutes away — Savannah’s beach is at Tybee Island, a laid-back barrier island just 20 minutes east with sand, surf, and seafood.

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

Savannah has a below-average cost of living with affordable housing and dining. Groceries are at or below the national average. Gas is moderate. Dining out is very affordable with excellent Southern and Lowcountry cuisine.

When budgeting for your Savannah assignment, factor in all of your regular expenses beyond rent. Kroger and Publix are popular grocery options. Savannah’s food scene features excellent and affordable Southern cooking, seafood, and Lowcountry cuisine. Free outdoor activities include exploring the historic squares, Forsyth Park, and the riverfront. 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. Savannah has plenty to offer whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and recharging between shifts.

• Historic Squares Tour — Walk through Savannah’s 22 beautiful town squares, each with unique character, statues, and surrounding architecture.
• Forsyth Park — Savannah’s most famous park with the iconic fountain, live oaks, and Saturday farmers market.
• Tybee Island — A laid-back barrier island with sandy beaches, a lighthouse, fresh seafood restaurants, and a relaxed vibe.
• River Street — The cobblestone waterfront strip along the Savannah River with restaurants, shops, and riverboat cruises.

Take full advantage of your time in Savannah. 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

Savannah, Georgia offers travel nurses one of the most beautiful and historic cities in America with affordable living, strong hospital systems, and a Southern charm that makes every assignment feel like an extended vacation. With Memorial Health and St. Joseph’s/Candler 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 Savannah, 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 Savannah assignments, our pay calculator can help you break down the numbers and understand your true compensation.

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