Travel Nurse Housing in Vail, Colorado: Complete Guide
Vail is a premier Colorado ski resort in the Gore Creek valley, known for its legendary back bowls, European-inspired village, and year-round mountain recreation. Travel nurses typically work at Vail Health Hospital or nearby facilities.
Vail Health Hospital serves the Vail Valley.
Whether you are heading to Vail 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. Vail 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
Vail 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.
Vail Health Hospital — A community hospital with emergency, orthopedic, and comprehensive medical services, known for sports medicine due to the ski resort.
Travel nurse demand in Vail is generally moderate, with ED, med-surg, and orthopedics (ski injuries) being among the most frequently requested specialties. Contract availability tends to be strong year-round, though demand typically peaks during ski season (December-April). 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 Vail 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 Vail.
Vail Village and Lionshead
The pedestrian resort villages at the base of Vail Mountain.
Pros: Ski access, walkable villages, dining, entertainment
Cons: Extremely expensive, tourist crowds, seasonal pricing
West Vail
A more practical residential area with grocery stores and services.
Pros: More affordable for Vail, grocery access, bus route, practical
Cons: Car-dependent, less scenic, commercial
Eagle and Edwards
Down-valley towns about 20-30 minutes west with more affordable housing.
Pros: More affordable, year-round community, practical, valley views
Cons: Commute to Vail, fewer amenities, I-70 traffic
When choosing where to live, prioritize keeping your commute under 30 minutes whenever possible. Car required. I-70 connects the Eagle Valley. Free bus service runs within the Vail area. If you are unfamiliar with the area, connect with other travel nurses who have worked in Vail through Facebook groups or online forums to get firsthand recommendations on neighborhoods.
Average Housing Costs
Housing costs in Vail are 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: $1,400 to $2,400 per month
- One-bedroom apartment: $1,700 to $3,000 per month
- Furnished apartment (travel nurse friendly): $2,100 to $3,700 per month
Vail is extremely expensive. Employer housing assistance is common. Eagle and Edwards offer significant savings. Free bus service connects the valley.
Many travel nurses in Vail 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 Vail, CO 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 Vail
Every city has its own quirks and considerations when it comes to finding and securing travel nurse housing. Here are tips specific to Vail that will help you avoid common pitfalls, stretch your housing stipend further, and settle in more quickly.
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Employer housing may be available — Vail’s housing crisis means many employers offer housing.
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Free bus system — ECO Transit connects the entire Eagle Valley at no cost.
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I-70 ski traffic — Weekend I-70 traffic from Denver can be extreme. Plan accordingly.
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Altitude at 8,150 feet — Vail sits at 8,150 feet. Allow time for altitude adjustment.
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
Vail is one of the most expensive resort communities in Colorado. Housing costs are driven by the global ski resort market.
When budgeting for your Vail assignment, factor in all of your regular expenses beyond rent. City Market in West Vail is the main grocery store. Eagle has more affordable shopping options. 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. Vail has plenty to offer whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and recharging between shifts.
- Vail Mountain — Over 5,300 skiable acres with legendary back bowls and Blue Sky Basin.
- Betty Ford Alpine Gardens — The highest public botanical garden in North America, free to visit.
- Gore Creek Trail — A paved trail along Gore Creek through Vail Valley, perfect for running, biking, or walking.
- Hiking in the Eagles Nest Wilderness — Pristine alpine wilderness accessible from the Vail area with stunning mountain scenery.
Take full advantage of your time in Vail. 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
Vail, Colorado offers travel nurses a premier Colorado ski resort with 5,300 skiable acres, legendary back bowls, free valley bus service, and travel nursing at Vail Health Hospital in one of America’s most iconic mountain communities. With Vail Health Hospital and a well above 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 Vail, 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 Vail assignments, our pay calculator can help you break down the numbers and understand your true compensation.
We wish you the best on your Vail assignment. It is a great place to be a travel nurse.