Travel Nurse Housing in Spokane, Washington: Complete Guide

Spokane is the largest city in the Inland Northwest, offering a more affordable Pacific Northwest experience than Seattle or Portland. With no state income tax, four distinct seasons, and easy access to skiing and outdoor recreation, Spokane is a hidden gem for travel nurses.

Spokane’s healthcare market is served by Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and MultiCare Deaconess Hospital. These two systems serve as the referral centers for the entire Inland Northwest region.

Whether you are heading to Spokane 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. Spokane 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

Spokane 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.

Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center — The largest hospital in the Inland Northwest and a Level II trauma center. It serves as the regional referral center for eastern Washington, northern Idaho, and western Montana.

MultiCare Deaconess Hospital — A large community hospital in central Spokane with strong cardiac, surgical, and emergency programs.

Providence Holy Family Hospital — A Providence facility in north Spokane with comprehensive medical services.

Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center — A VA facility serving veterans across the Inland Northwest.

Travel nurse demand in Spokane 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 Spokane 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 Spokane.

South Hill

Spokane’s premier residential area with tree-lined streets, Manito Park, and proximity to Sacred Heart Medical Center.

Pros: Beautiful residential streets, Manito Park, close to Sacred Heart, safe and well-maintained

Cons: Higher rents for Spokane, hilly terrain, car-dependent, quiet nightlife

Downtown Spokane

The city center along the Spokane River with restaurants, shops, and the Centennial Trail.

Pros: Walkable, Spokane River and Centennial Trail, close to hospitals, growing dining scene

Cons: Limited nightlife, can feel quiet on weeknights, parking is paid in some areas

Browne’s Addition

A historic neighborhood west of downtown with Victorian homes, Cannon Hill Park, and a walkable atmosphere.

Pros: Historic charm, walkable to downtown, Cannon Hill Park, affordable, community character

Cons: Older housing stock, limited dining options, some blocks are transitional

Spokane Valley

A suburban area east of Spokane with affordable apartments and easy access to I-90.

Pros: Affordable, ample parking, easy freeway access, newer apartments

Cons: Suburban sprawl, car-dependent, limited character, farther from downtown hospitals

When choosing where to live, prioritize keeping your commute under 30 minutes whenever possible. Spokane is car-dependent with a limited bus system (STA). The city is compact and commutes are typically under 15 minutes. Traffic is minimal compared to west-side Washington cities. If you are unfamiliar with the area, connect with other travel nurses who have worked in Spokane through Facebook groups or online forums to get firsthand recommendations on neighborhoods.

Average Housing Costs

Housing costs in Spokane are roughly in line with 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: $750 to $1,200 per month
• One-bedroom apartment: $900 to $1,400 per month
• Furnished apartment (travel nurse friendly): $1,150 to $1,800 per month

Spokane is affordable with rents well below Seattle or Portland. Your stipend will go far. The South Hill and downtown areas are popular with travel nurses near the major hospitals.

Many travel nurses in Spokane 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 Spokane, 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 Spokane

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

1. No state income tax — Washington has no state income tax, which combined with Spokane’s affordable living makes this a financially attractive market.

2. Four real seasons — Spokane has genuine four-season weather with cold, snowy winters and warm, dry summers. Winter gear is essential from November through March.

3. Outdoor recreation is exceptional — Skiing at Mt. Spokane, hiking and biking on the Centennial Trail, and lakes throughout the region provide year-round outdoor activities.

4. The city is growing — Spokane has experienced significant growth and is becoming a more desirable destination with improving restaurants, breweries, and cultural attractions.

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

Spokane has a cost of living roughly at the national average, significantly lower than west-side Washington cities. Groceries are at national norms. Gas is moderate. Dining out is affordable.

When budgeting for your Spokane assignment, factor in all of your regular expenses beyond rent. WinCo Foods and Fred Meyer offer competitive grocery prices. Spokane’s growing brewery and dining scene offers affordable socializing. The many free outdoor activities keep entertainment costs very low. 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. Spokane has plenty to offer whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and recharging between shifts.

• Centennial Trail — A 40-mile paved trail along the Spokane River, perfect for running, biking, and walking.
• Riverfront Park — Spokane’s centerpiece park with the iconic Pavilion, SkyRide over Spokane Falls, and seasonal events.
• Mount Spokane Skiing — A state park ski area just 30 minutes from downtown offering affordable skiing and snowboarding.
• Coeur d’Alene Day Trip — Drive 30 minutes east to beautiful Coeur d’Alene, Idaho for the stunning lake, floating green golf course, and charming downtown.

Take full advantage of your time in Spokane. 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

Spokane, Washington offers travel nurses an affordable Pacific Northwest city with no state income tax, strong hospital systems, and easy access to skiing, lakes, and outdoor adventure year-round. With Providence Sacred Heart and MultiCare Deaconess Hospital and a 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 Spokane, 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 Spokane assignments, our pay calculator can help you break down the numbers and understand your true compensation.

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