The question of whether travel nurses stay in hotels long-term is common, and the answer is generally no. While short stays are sometimes necessary, such as during initial orientation or a housing gap, traditional hotels are rarely used for the full 13-week assignment due to their high cost and logistical inconvenience. For extended periods, travel nurses choose between having their staffing agency secure accommodation or receiving a housing stipend to source their own living situation. This decision dictates the type of temporary residence they utilize.
Agency-Provided Housing Versus Housing Stipend
The two primary models for securing housing determine the financial structure and logistical effort required from the nurse. Agency-provided housing means the staffing company takes full responsibility for securing the temporary living arrangements. The agency searches for, secures, pays deposits, and handles the monthly rent and utilities for the accommodation throughout the assignment.
This structure offers convenience, allowing the nurse to arrive with housing already secured. The alternative is the housing stipend model, which shifts all responsibility onto the travel nurse. The nurse receives a non-taxable allowance in their weekly pay package intended to cover all housing expenses. The nurse must then independently find, secure, pay for, and manage their temporary residence. The stipend amount is calculated based on the General Services Administration (GSA) rates for the specific assignment location to cover reasonable, localized housing costs.
Types of Temporary Housing Used by Travel Nurses
Extended Stay Hotels
Extended stay hotels provide a convenient, short-term solution for travel nurses needing immediate lodging. These establishments offer flexible lease terms, sometimes as short as a week, and include all utilities and basic furnishings. They are frequently used during the first few weeks of an assignment while the nurse finalizes a longer-term rental agreement. While they offer amenities like basic kitchenettes, their cost over a standard 13-week contract is generally higher than traditional leasing options.
Furnished Apartments and Short-Term Rentals
Fully furnished apartments and short-term rental properties are the most common type of long-term accommodation for travel nurses. These residences are typically secured through specialized platforms like Furnished Finder, which connect nurses directly with landlords offering short-term leases. Nurses also utilize general platforms like Airbnb or VRBO, searching for hosts willing to accept a three-month booking. These options provide a residential environment with a full kitchen, separate living space, and greater privacy than a hotel. Securing these arrangements requires attention to lease terms, as many landlords prefer a minimum three-month commitment to align with the standard travel contract length.
RVs and Mobile Living
An increasing number of travel nurses are opting for mobile living by utilizing a recreational vehicle or fifth-wheel trailer. This option provides maximum flexibility, as the housing moves with the nurse to each new assignment, eliminating the need for a new housing search. While the upfront investment is considerable, the long-term cost savings can be substantial, especially when factoring in the tax-free housing stipend. The primary logistical hurdle involves securing space at a reputable RV park or campground near the hospital and ensuring reliable hookups for water, sewer, and electricity.
Weighing the Choice Between Agency Housing and Stipend
The decision between agency-secured housing and the housing stipend is a financial and personal trade-off. Agency housing provides convenience and security, insulating the nurse from housing scams, lease negotiations, and the stress of a time-constrained search. This option is frequently chosen by first-time travel nurses or those accepting assignments in highly competitive or unfamiliar housing markets, ensuring a seamless start.
Choosing the housing stipend grants the nurse greater autonomy over their living situation, allowing them to select the neighborhood and specific type of dwelling they prefer. The primary incentive for selecting the stipend is the potential for financial profit, often called “pocketing” the difference. This profit is realized when the nurse secures suitable accommodation for less than the tax-free stipend amount provided by the agency.
This financial benefit is not guaranteed; the nurse assumes the risk that housing costs may exceed the allotted stipend, forcing them to cover the shortfall. Furthermore, the stipend requires a substantial time commitment for research, negotiation, and vetting potential landlords, which can be burdensome during clinical onboarding. The choice balances certainty against financial reward: agency housing offers a guaranteed, hassle-free residence, while the stipend provides the opportunity for increased take-home pay at the cost of personal responsibility.
Practical Tips for Securing Housing on Assignment
Several operational steps ensure a smooth transition into temporary residence, regardless of who secures the accommodation:
- Thoroughly vet the property owner and the dwelling prior to signing any agreement or sending a deposit, requesting a video walkthrough to confirm accuracy.
- Confirm the process for utility setup, including internet and electricity, and determine if those costs are included in the monthly rent.
- Check the property’s proximity to the assigned hospital, accounting for local traffic patterns during shift change times.
- Prioritize personal safety by researching the neighborhood’s security profile and ensuring the accommodation has adequate safety features, such as secure entry points.
These proactive measures minimize logistical surprises upon arrival and allow the nurse to focus on their professional duties.
Understanding the Tax Home Requirement
A fundamental requirement for a travel nurse to receive tax-free stipends, including the housing allowance, is maintaining a “tax home.” The Internal Revenue Service mandates that a nurse must incur “duplicate expenses” by maintaining a permanent residence at their primary location while simultaneously paying for temporary housing at the assignment location. This means the nurse must prove they are continually paying rent, a mortgage, or utilities at their permanent home address while on assignment.
If the nurse does not maintain this tax home, they are legally considered an “ever-traveler” whose primary residence moves with them. In this scenario, the housing stipend and all other allowances become taxable income, leading to a significant reduction in take-home pay. Maintaining a valid tax home is the legal basis that allows the government to consider the housing stipend a reimbursement for costs incurred, rather than standard compensation.