Travel Nurse Housing in Tucson, Arizona: Complete Guide

Tucson is a desert city with deep cultural roots, surrounded by five mountain ranges and home to the University of Arizona. For travel nurses, Tucson offers a strong academic medical center, affordable living, stunning Sonoran Desert scenery, and a more relaxed pace than nearby Phoenix.

Tucson’s healthcare market is anchored by Banner - University Medical Center (affiliated with the University of Arizona), Tucson Medical Center, and Northwest Medical Center. The city serves as the healthcare hub for southern Arizona.

Whether you are heading to Tucson 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. Tucson 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

Tucson 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.

Banner - University Medical Center Tucson — The primary teaching hospital for the University of Arizona and a Level I trauma center. It offers travel nurses high-acuity experience in an academic environment.

Tucson Medical Center (TMC) — A large community hospital and the oldest hospital in Tucson. TMC is known for its cardiac, orthopedic, and women’s health programs.

Northwest Medical Center — An HCA facility in northwest Tucson with emergency, surgical, and medical services. It serves the rapidly growing northwest side of the city.

Southern Arizona VA Health Care System — A large VA facility serving veterans across southern Arizona with travel nurse opportunities.

Travel nurse demand in Tucson is generally steady to 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 months when snowbirds arrive and increase the population significantly. 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 Tucson 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 Tucson.

Sam Hughes and University Area

Neighborhoods near the UA campus with walkable streets, local restaurants on University Boulevard, and proximity to Banner-UMC.

Pros: Walking distance to Banner-UMC, walkable to campus dining and shops, affordable rents, streetcar access

Cons: Student-area noise, parking permits required near campus, older housing stock

Fourth Avenue and Downtown

Tucson’s eclectic main street with vintage shops, restaurants, bars, and the Tucson streetcar connection to the university and UA hospital.

Pros: Walkable and eclectic, close to downtown and university hospitals, streetcar access, vibrant character

Cons: Some safety awareness needed at night, limited grocery options, noise from Fourth Avenue bars

Catalina Foothills

An upscale residential area at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains with stunning views, hiking trail access, and quiet neighborhoods.

Pros: Beautiful mountain views, close to hiking trails, safe and quiet, excellent restaurants along Campbell Avenue

Cons: Higher rents, car-dependent, farther from downtown hospitals, limited nightlife

Oro Valley

A suburb north of Tucson with newer developments, shopping, and proximity to Oro Valley Hospital and Northwest Medical Center.

Pros: New construction apartments, safe community, close to northwest hospitals, Catalina State Park access

Cons: Suburban sprawl, car-dependent, far from downtown, limited dining variety

When choosing where to live, prioritize keeping your commute under 30 minutes whenever possible. Tucson is car-dependent. The Sun Link streetcar connects downtown, Fourth Avenue, and the university area, but most commutes require driving. Traffic is generally light compared to Phoenix. If you are unfamiliar with the area, connect with other travel nurses who have worked in Tucson through Facebook groups or online forums to get firsthand recommendations on neighborhoods.

Average Housing Costs

Housing costs in Tucson 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: $700 to $1,100 per month
• One-bedroom apartment: $850 to $1,300 per month
• Furnished apartment (travel nurse friendly): $1,100 to $1,700 per month

Tucson is very affordable for travel nurse housing. Your stipend will stretch far, especially in the university area and central Tucson. Winter months see higher demand from seasonal visitors.

Many travel nurses in Tucson 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 Tucson, AZ 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 Tucson

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

1. Summer heat is extreme — Tucson summers are brutally hot, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees from June through September. Ensure working AC and budget for higher electricity. Many travel nurses prefer winter assignments.

2. Winter is perfect — Tucson winters are mild and beautiful, with daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s. This is peak season for the city and why many travel nurses request assignments from October through April.

3. Outdoor recreation is exceptional — Saguaro National Park, Mount Lemmon, and dozens of hiking trails are minutes from the city. The desert landscape is stunning and unique.

4. The food scene punches above its weight — Tucson was designated a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, the first US city to receive the honor. Mexican and Sonoran food here is among the best in the country.

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

Tucson has a below-average cost of living, making it excellent for travel nurses looking to save. Groceries are at or slightly below national norms. Gas is moderate. Dining out is very affordable, especially at the city’s outstanding Mexican restaurants.

When budgeting for your Tucson assignment, factor in all of your regular expenses beyond rent. Fry’s Food Stores offers competitive grocery prices. Tucson’s Mexican food is exceptional and very affordable, with Sonoran-style tacos and burritos available for just a few dollars. Take advantage of the many free outdoor activities. 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. Tucson has plenty to offer whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and recharging between shifts.

• Saguaro National Park — Two districts flanking the city feature iconic saguaro cacti, desert trails, and stunning sunset views. It is a must-visit for any travel nurse in Tucson.
• Mount Lemmon — Drive one hour up the Sky Island Scenic Byway to the summit at 9,157 feet for pine forests, cool temperatures, and a charming village with restaurants.
• Fourth Avenue Shopping — Browse vintage shops, record stores, and eclectic boutiques on Tucson’s most colorful street.
• Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum — Part zoo, part botanical garden, part natural history museum, this unique attraction showcases the plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert.

Take full advantage of your time in Tucson. 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

Tucson, Arizona offers travel nurses an affordable desert city with strong academic medicine, stunning natural scenery, exceptional food, and mild winters that draw travel nurses from across the country. With Banner - University Medical Center, Tucson Medical Center, and Northwest Medical Center 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 Tucson, 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 Tucson assignments, our pay calculator can help you break down the numbers and understand your true compensation.

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