Travel Nurse Housing in Springfield, Missouri: Complete Guide
Springfield is the third-largest city in Missouri and the healthcare hub of the Ozarks region. With two major hospital systems, an extremely affordable cost of living, and proximity to the natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains, Springfield offers travel nurses excellent value.
Springfield’s healthcare includes CoxHealth and Mercy Hospital Springfield.
Whether you are heading to Springfield 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. Springfield 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
Springfield 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.
CoxHealth - Cox Medical Center South — The region’s primary hospital with Level I trauma center and comprehensive services.
Mercy Hospital Springfield — A large Mercy facility with strong cardiac, oncology, and surgical programs.
Burrell Behavioral Health — A major behavioral health provider in the region.
Travel nurse demand in Springfield 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 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 Springfield 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 Springfield.
Rountree and University Heights
Residential neighborhoods near Missouri State University with character and walkability.
Pros: Walkable, neighborhood character, moderate rents, close to hospitals
Cons: Student noise, limited nightlife, older housing
Downtown Springfield
A revitalizing downtown with restaurants, bars, and Route 66 heritage.
Pros: Growing dining scene, Route 66 character, close to hospitals, affordable
Cons: Limited nightlife, some blocks need awareness, parking
South Springfield
Residential areas south of downtown near CoxHealth campuses.
Pros: Close to Cox hospitals, affordable, residential, family-friendly
Cons: Car-dependent, limited dining, suburban feel
When choosing where to live, prioritize keeping your commute under 30 minutes whenever possible. Springfield is car-dependent. Commutes are under 15 minutes. If you are unfamiliar with the area, connect with other travel nurses who have worked in Springfield through Facebook groups or online forums to get firsthand recommendations on neighborhoods.
Average Housing Costs
Housing costs in Springfield are 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: $550 to $900 per month
- One-bedroom apartment: $650 to $1,050 per month
- Furnished apartment (travel nurse friendly): $850 to $1,350 per month
Springfield is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Your stipend stretches very far here.
Many travel nurses in Springfield 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 Springfield, MO 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 Springfield
Every city has its own quirks and considerations when it comes to finding and securing travel nurse housing. Here are tips specific to Springfield that will help you avoid common pitfalls, stretch your housing stipend further, and settle in more quickly.
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Incredibly affordable — Springfield is one of the cheapest places to live in America. Travel nurses can save significantly.
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Ozarks access — Table Rock Lake, Branson, and the Ozark trails are all within easy reach.
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Missouri income tax — Missouri has a state income tax, but the extremely low cost of living more than offsets it.
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Bass Pro Shops originated here — The original Bass Pro Shops in Springfield is a massive outdoor recreation destination.
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
Springfield has one of the lowest costs of living in the US. Everything from housing to food is well below national averages.
When budgeting for your Springfield assignment, factor in all of your regular expenses beyond rent. Hy-Vee and Aldi offer excellent grocery prices. Springfield’s dining is very affordable with a growing local scene. 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. Springfield has plenty to offer whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and recharging between shifts.
- Fantastic Caverns — America’s only ride-through cave, just north of the city.
- Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield — A Civil War battlefield with hiking trails and historical significance.
- Table Rock Lake — A beautiful Ozarks lake about an hour south with boating, swimming, and scenic views.
- Bass Pro Shops Original Store — The flagship location is a destination in itself with an aquarium, wildlife exhibits, and outdoor gear.
Take full advantage of your time in Springfield. 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
Springfield, Missouri offers travel nurses one of the most affordable cities in America with two strong hospital systems, Ozark Mountain access, and a cost of living that maximizes travel nurse savings. With CoxHealth and Mercy Hospital Springfield and a low 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 Springfield, 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 Springfield assignments, our pay calculator can help you break down the numbers and understand your true compensation.
We wish you the best on your Springfield assignment. It is a great place to be a travel nurse.