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Housing Cost Calculator

Take the stipend or use agency housing? Plug in the numbers and see which option saves you more over your entire contract.

One of the biggest financial decisions on every travel nurse assignment is housing: take the stipend and find your own place, or let the agency provide housing. The right choice depends on your specific numbers. This calculator helps you see the true cost of each option, including hidden expenses most nurses forget.

Important: This calculator assumes your housing stipend is non-taxable. If you do not maintain a valid tax home, your stipend becomes taxable income, which significantly changes the math. Check your tax home status first.

Contract Details

The non-taxable housing stipend in your contract

Option A: Take the Stipend

Furnished rental, Airbnb, or extended stay
Usually 1 month rent (refundable, but tied up)
Electric, water, internet — if not included
Kitchen supplies, bedding, etc. if unit is unfurnished

Option B: Agency Housing

Some agencies deduct from your pay; enter $0 if free
Any utilities you pay on top of agency housing
Factor in convenience, safety, and comfort

Housing Cost Comparison

Option A

Take the Stipend

$0
total housing cost over contract
Rent $0
Security Deposit (tied up) $0
Utilities $0
Furnishing $0
Renters Insurance $0
Stipend Received $0
Net Cost (Expense - Stipend) $0
Option B

Agency Housing

$0
total housing cost over contract
Weekly Deductions $0
Utilities You Pay $0
Stipend Forfeited $0
Total Opportunity Cost $0

Recommendation

$0

Breakeven Analysis

Find Furnished Housing

Furnished Finder is the most popular platform for travel nurse housing. Listings are specifically designed for short-term healthcare traveler stays.

Browse Furnished Finder

Compare Full Pay Packages

Housing is just one piece of the puzzle. Compare complete contract offers including hourly rates, stipends, and taxes.

Pay Calculator

Get the 7-Number Contract Checklist (Free)

The exact 7 numbers to compare before accepting any travel nurse contract — in a one-page PDF.

Should You Take the Stipend or Agency Housing?

This is one of the most common questions travel nurses face on every assignment. The answer depends on the specific numbers in your contract, the local rental market, and your personal preferences. Here is how to think through the decision.

The Case for Taking the Stipend

  • Financial control: You choose where to live and how much to spend
  • Potential profit: If your housing costs less than your stipend, you pocket the difference tax-free
  • Quality control: You pick the location, the furnishings, and the neighborhood
  • Privacy: No roommates unless you choose them

The Case for Agency Housing

  • Convenience: No searching, no lease signing, no furniture to buy
  • No upfront costs: No security deposits or first/last month rent
  • Simpler taxes: If you do not have a tax home, agency housing avoids the stipend taxation question
  • Guaranteed availability: In tight housing markets, agency housing eliminates the stress of finding a place

Hidden Costs Most Nurses Forget

  • Security deposit: Usually one month's rent, tied up for the entire contract
  • Utilities: Electric, water, internet, and trash can add $100-250/month in some areas
  • Furnishing costs: Even furnished rentals may be missing kitchen essentials, linens, or a decent mattress
  • Renters insurance: $15-40/month, but protects your belongings and provides liability coverage
  • Opportunity cost of agency housing: When you take agency housing, you give up the non-taxable stipend, which is often worth more than the housing itself

The Tax Home Factor

If you maintain a valid tax home, your housing stipend is non-taxable — making the stipend option even more valuable. If you do not have a tax home, your stipend becomes taxable income, which changes the math. Use our Tax Home Quiz to check your status.