Travel Nurse Housing in Waco, Texas: Complete Guide
Waco is a Central Texas city revitalized by Baylor University and the Magnolia phenomenon. Travel nurses find no state income tax, very affordable living, and a growing community between Dallas and Austin.
Waco’s healthcare includes Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Hillcrest and Ascension Providence.
Whether you are heading to Waco 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. Waco 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
Waco 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.
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Hillcrest — A large hospital with comprehensive services serving Central Texas.
Ascension Providence — A community hospital with emergency and medical services.
Travel nurse demand in Waco 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 Waco 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 Waco.
Downtown Waco and Silo District
The revitalized downtown near Magnolia Market and the Silos.
Pros: Walkable, Magnolia attractions, growing dining, close to hospitals
Cons: Tourist crowds near Silos, limited housing, higher rents near downtown
Castle Heights and University Parks
Residential areas near Baylor University.
Pros: Near hospital, residential charm, moderate rents
Cons: Car-dependent, student area, limited nightlife
Hewitt and Robinson
Suburban communities south of Waco with affordable housing.
Pros: Affordable, safe, family-friendly
Cons: Suburban, car-dependent, limited character
When choosing where to live, prioritize keeping your commute under 30 minutes whenever possible. Car-dependent. Small city with commutes under 15 minutes. If you are unfamiliar with the area, connect with other travel nurses who have worked in Waco through Facebook groups or online forums to get firsthand recommendations on neighborhoods.
Average Housing Costs
Housing costs in Waco 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: $600 to $1,000 per month
- One-bedroom apartment: $750 to $1,200 per month
- Furnished apartment (travel nurse friendly): $950 to $1,500 per month
Waco is very affordable with no state income tax. Your stipend stretches very far.
Many travel nurses in Waco 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 Waco, TX 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 Waco
Every city has its own quirks and considerations when it comes to finding and securing travel nurse housing. Here are tips specific to Waco that will help you avoid common pitfalls, stretch your housing stipend further, and settle in more quickly.
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No state income tax — Texas tax advantage with very low Waco prices.
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Magnolia Market brings tourists — Chip and Joanna Gaines put Waco on the map. The Silos area draws crowds.
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Central Texas location — Waco is equidistant between Dallas and Austin, about 90 minutes to each.
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Hot Texas summers — Summers are hot. Air conditioning is essential.
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
Waco has a low cost of living. Groceries, gas, and dining are all below national averages.
When budgeting for your Waco assignment, factor in all of your regular expenses beyond rent. H-E-B is the go-to grocery chain. Waco’s dining scene has grown significantly with the city’s revitalization. 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. Waco has plenty to offer whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and recharging between shifts.
- Magnolia Market at the Silos — The famous Chip and Joanna Gaines marketplace with shops, food trucks, and gardens.
- Cameron Park — Over 400 acres of trails, cliffs, and river frontage along the Brazos River.
- Dr Pepper Museum — Learn about the history of the iconic soft drink invented in Waco.
- Brazos River Kayaking — Paddle through scenic stretches of the Brazos River through and near Waco.
Take full advantage of your time in Waco. 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
Waco, Texas offers travel nurses an affordable Central Texas city with no state income tax, the Magnolia phenomenon, and a growing community between Dallas and Austin. With Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest and Ascension Providence 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 Waco, 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 Waco assignments, our pay calculator can help you break down the numbers and understand your true compensation.
We wish you the best on your Waco assignment. It is a great place to be a travel nurse.