Travel Nurse Housing in Seattle, Washington: Complete Guide

Seattle is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest and a thriving hub for technology, coffee culture, and outdoor adventure. For travel nurses, Seattle offers prestigious hospitals, no state income tax, and access to some of the most stunning natural scenery in the country, though the rainy climate and high housing costs are important considerations.

Seattle’s healthcare market is dominated by several major systems including UW Medicine, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Swedish Medical Center, and Kaiser Permanente. The presence of the University of Washington School of Medicine makes Seattle a center for medical research and advanced clinical care.

Whether you are heading to Seattle 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. Seattle 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

Seattle 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.

UW Medical Center - Montlake — The flagship hospital of UW Medicine and a nationally ranked academic medical center. Located near the University of Washington campus, it is a Level I trauma center with leading programs in cancer, neuroscience, and transplant surgery.

Harborview Medical Center — Operated by UW Medicine, Harborview is the only Level I trauma center in a four-state region and a major referral center for critical care. Travel nurses here gain unparalleled trauma and emergency experience.

Swedish Medical Center - First Hill — The largest nonprofit health provider in the greater Seattle area. Swedish First Hill is known for its cardiac, orthopedic, and cancer programs.

Virginia Mason Medical Center — Located on First Hill, Virginia Mason is known for its efficiency-focused care model inspired by the Toyota Production System. It is now part of the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health system.

Seattle Children’s Hospital — A nationally ranked pediatric hospital located in the Laurelhurst neighborhood. Pediatric travel nurses benefit from high volumes and a wide range of subspecialties.

Travel nurse demand in Seattle is generally consistently 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 winter flu season and summer vacation coverage. 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 Seattle 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 Seattle.

Capitol Hill

Seattle’s most vibrant and diverse neighborhood, Capitol Hill features an eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and nightlife venues along Broadway and Pike/Pine streets. It is walkable and well-connected by bus.

Pros: Vibrant nightlife and dining, walkable and diverse, excellent bus connections, close to First Hill hospitals

Cons: Higher rents, noisy on weekends, parking is very limited, hilly terrain

Fremont and Wallingford

Quirky, charming neighborhoods north of Lake Union with independent shops, the Fremont Troll sculpture, farmers markets, and a strong community feel. They offer a more residential experience than Capitol Hill.

Pros: Charming and quirky character, residential calm, great farmers market, reasonable rents for central Seattle, community atmosphere

Cons: Farther from First Hill hospitals, limited bus options to some locations, hilly

Ballard

A former Scandinavian fishing village turned trendy neighborhood with an excellent brewery scene, the Ballard Locks, and a walkable main street on Ballard Avenue.

Pros: Excellent brewery and dining scene, walkable main street, Ballard Locks and waterfront access, strong community identity

Cons: Farther from most hospitals, traffic on 15th Ave can be bad, higher rents for waterfront units

Beacon Hill

A diverse neighborhood south of downtown with light rail access, affordable rents, and incredible Asian restaurants along Rainier Avenue. It is one of Seattle’s most underrated neighborhoods.

Pros: Light rail access, diverse and affordable, excellent Asian food, close to VA hospital and Harborview

Cons: Hillier terrain, some areas feel isolated, limited nightlife, perception issues despite actual safety

When choosing where to live, prioritize keeping your commute under 30 minutes whenever possible. Seattle has a growing light rail system and extensive bus network operated by King County Metro. First Hill, where several major hospitals are located, is well-served by buses from most neighborhoods. Traffic can be challenging, especially on I-5 and the bridges between Seattle and the Eastside. If you are unfamiliar with the area, connect with other travel nurses who have worked in Seattle through Facebook groups or online forums to get firsthand recommendations on neighborhoods.

Average Housing Costs

Housing costs in Seattle are 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: $1,300 to $2,000 per month
One-bedroom apartment: $1,600 to $2,500 per month
Furnished apartment (travel nurse friendly): $2,000 to $3,200 per month

Seattle’s housing market is expensive but more accessible than San Francisco. Furnished apartments and rooms in shared houses are available, and starting your search four weeks before your assignment is recommended. Capitol Hill and First Hill are popular with travel nurses working at Swedish and Virginia Mason.

Many travel nurses in Seattle 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 Seattle, WA 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 Seattle

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

No state income tax — Washington has no state income tax, which is a significant financial benefit. This makes Seattle assignments more financially attractive than they might appear based on housing costs alone.
Embrace the rain — Seattle’s rainy reputation is largely deserved from October through May. Invest in a good rain jacket and waterproof shoes. The silver lining is that Seattle summers from June through September are spectacular.
You might not need a car — Seattle’s transit system is good enough that many travel nurses skip bringing a car, especially if working at First Hill hospitals. Bus passes are affordable and light rail connects downtown to the airport and south Seattle.
Get outside on sunny days — When the sun comes out in Seattle, everything changes. Drop whatever you are doing and get outside. Hiking, kayaking, and exploring the waterfront are all within easy reach.

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

Seattle has a high cost of living driven by housing costs and the tech industry’s influence on the local economy. Groceries are about 10 to 15 percent above the national average. Gas follows the higher West Coast pricing. Dining out ranges from affordable teriyaki shops to expensive waterfront restaurants. The absence of state income tax partially offsets the higher cost of living.

When budgeting for your Seattle assignment, factor in all of your regular expenses beyond rent. QFC, Fred Meyer, and Trader Joe’s are popular grocery options. Seattle’s diverse food scene includes affordable teriyaki restaurants, pho shops in the International District, and excellent food trucks. Take advantage of the many free outdoor activities including hiking, beach access, and exploring the city’s numerous parks. 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. Seattle has plenty to offer whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and recharging between shifts.

Pike Place Market — Seattle’s iconic public market where you can watch fish being tossed, browse artisan vendors, and eat your way through dozens of food stalls. It is best visited on a weekday morning to avoid crowds.
Mount Rainier Day Trip — Drive two hours south to Mount Rainier National Park for world-class hiking with views of glaciers, wildflower meadows, and the massive volcanic peak.
Hiking in the Cascades — The Cascade Range is less than an hour from downtown Seattle. Popular day hikes include Rattlesnake Ledge, Snow Lake, and the trails at Mount Si.
San Juan Islands Ferry — Take the ferry from Anacortes to the San Juan Islands for whale watching, kayaking, and exploring the charming town of Friday Harbor.
Museum of Pop Culture — Designed by Frank Gehry, MoPOP features exhibits on music, science fiction, pop culture, and video games. It is a uniquely Seattle experience.

Take full advantage of your time in Seattle. 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

Seattle, Washington offers travel nurses prestigious hospitals, no state income tax, and access to some of the most extraordinary natural scenery in the Pacific Northwest. With UW Medicine, Swedish Medical Center, and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and a high 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 Seattle, 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 Seattle assignments, our pay calculator can help you break down the numbers and understand your true compensation.

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