Travel Nurse Housing in Tampa, Florida: Complete Guide

Tampa is a growing Gulf Coast city with a warm climate, beautiful waterfront, and a healthcare market that has expanded rapidly with the region’s population boom. For travel nurses, Tampa offers no state income tax, affordable housing compared to Miami, and a laid-back Florida lifestyle.

Tampa’s healthcare market includes Tampa General Hospital, AdventHealth Tampa, BayCare Health System, and Moffitt Cancer Center. The University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine adds academic depth to the region.

Whether you are heading to Tampa 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. Tampa 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

Tampa 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.

Tampa General Hospital — A Level I trauma center and the region’s only academic medical center, affiliated with USF Health. It is one of the largest hospitals in Florida.

AdventHealth Tampa — Part of the AdventHealth system with comprehensive medical and surgical services and a focus on whole-person care.

Moffitt Cancer Center — One of only 53 NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the country. Oncology travel nurses find world-class experience here.

St. Joseph’s Hospital — A BayCare facility in central Tampa known for its heart institute, women’s services, and busy emergency department.

Travel nurse demand in Tampa is generally strong and growing, with ICU, ED, med-surg, oncology, and telemetry being among the most frequently requested specialties. Contract availability tends to be strong year-round, though demand typically peaks during winter season when snowbirds arrive and summer when permanent staff vacation. 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 Tampa 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 Tampa.

South Tampa and Hyde Park

Tampa’s most desirable residential area with walkable Hyde Park Village, Bayshore Boulevard running trail, and proximity to Tampa General Hospital.

Pros: Walkable Hyde Park Village, Bayshore Boulevard, close to Tampa General, safe and upscale

Cons: Expensive rents, flooding risk in some areas, limited parking near restaurants

Seminole Heights

A trendy neighborhood north of downtown with independent restaurants, craft breweries, and bungalow-style homes.

Pros: Trendy dining and brewery scene, affordable, community feel, close to AdventHealth Tampa

Cons: Some blocks are transitional, limited transit, older housing stock

Channelside and Water Street

Tampa’s waterfront district has been transformed with new apartment buildings, restaurants, and the Tampa Riverwalk.

Pros: Waterfront living, modern apartments, Riverwalk access, walkable to restaurants and attractions

Cons: Higher rents for new construction, tourist-adjacent, construction ongoing

Westchase

A planned community in northwest Tampa with safe neighborhoods, shopping, and newer apartments.

Pros: Safe, modern apartments, good restaurants, family-friendly

Cons: Suburban, car-dependent, far from downtown hospitals, limited nightlife

When choosing where to live, prioritize keeping your commute under 30 minutes whenever possible. Tampa is car-dependent with limited public transit. The TECO Line streetcar connects a small downtown corridor. Traffic on I-275 and I-4 can be heavy during rush hours. If you are unfamiliar with the area, connect with other travel nurses who have worked in Tampa through Facebook groups or online forums to get firsthand recommendations on neighborhoods.

Average Housing Costs

Housing costs in Tampa 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: $1,000 to $1,600 per month
• One-bedroom apartment: $1,200 to $1,900 per month
• Furnished apartment (travel nurse friendly): $1,500 to $2,300 per month

Tampa offers better value than Miami or Southwest Florida. Furnished apartments are available in most areas. South Tampa is most desirable but pricey; Seminole Heights and Channelside offer better value with character.

Many travel nurses in Tampa 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 Tampa, FL 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 Tampa

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

1. No state income tax — Florida has no state income tax, making Tampa assignments financially attractive. Combined with moderate housing costs, your take-home pay can be very strong.

2. Hurricane season — June through November brings hurricane risk. Know your evacuation routes and your hospital’s emergency staffing policies.

3. Summer heat and humidity — Tampa summers are hot, humid, and rainy with daily afternoon thunderstorms from June through September.

4. The food scene is growing — Tampa’s food scene, especially along the Seminole Heights corridor and in Ybor City, has improved dramatically in recent years.

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

Tampa has a cost of living roughly at the national average. Groceries are at national norms. Gas is moderate. Dining out is affordable with excellent Cuban, seafood, and Southern options. No state income tax is a significant financial benefit.

When budgeting for your Tampa assignment, factor in all of your regular expenses beyond rent. Publix and Aldi are popular grocery chains. Tampa’s Cuban sandwiches and seafood are must-try affordable meals. The Riverwalk, Bayshore Boulevard, and numerous beaches provide free recreation. 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. Tampa has plenty to offer whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and recharging between shifts.

• Bayshore Boulevard — The longest continuous sidewalk in the world, stretching along Hillsborough Bay. It is perfect for running, biking, or a sunset walk.
• Ybor City — Tampa’s historic Latin quarter with cigar shops, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. The Saturday Ybor City Market is a local favorite.
• Clearwater and St. Pete Beaches — Some of the best beaches in the country are just 30 minutes west across the bay.
• Riverwalk — A 2.6-mile paved path along the Hillsborough River connecting museums, parks, restaurants, and downtown attractions.

Take full advantage of your time in Tampa. 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

Tampa, Florida offers travel nurses a growing Gulf Coast city with strong hospitals, no state income tax, beautiful waterfront living, and easy access to some of the best beaches in the country. With Tampa General Hospital, AdventHealth, BayCare Health System, and Moffitt Cancer Center 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 Tampa, 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 Tampa assignments, our pay calculator can help you break down the numbers and understand your true compensation.

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