Travel nursing offers professionals short-term contracts, typically 13 weeks, at healthcare facilities nationwide. Since this career path involves frequent relocation, accommodation is a significant component of the overall compensation package. While housing is generally included in a travel nurse’s contract, the method of obtaining and managing it varies considerably, influencing both the nurse’s lifestyle and their net income. This decision is one of the first and most financially impactful choices a nurse makes when accepting a new assignment.
The Two Primary Housing Options
A travel nurse generally chooses between two distinct paths for securing accommodation during a contract. The first option is accepting housing directly coordinated and provided by the staffing agency, which simplifies logistics and provides a ready-made place to live. The alternative is declining the agency unit and receiving a tax-free housing stipend instead. This financial allowance covers accommodation costs, giving the nurse complete control over where and how they live. The choice dictates the nurse’s logistical responsibilities and impacts their total take-home pay.
Understanding Agency-Provided Housing
Opting for agency-provided housing streamlines the transition by eliminating the burden of an accommodation search. Agencies typically secure these units through corporate housing providers or extended-stay hotel agreements, ensuring the accommodation meets minimum standards for safety and readiness. This option is often preferred by first-time travelers or those who value convenience over customization.
The primary benefit is the guaranteed quality and immediate availability of a furnished unit, often vetted by the agency. A drawback is the nurse’s lack of control over specific location, amenities, or roommates, as some agencies use shared housing to manage costs. Since the agency pays directly, the nurse’s weekly taxable income is lower than if they had taken the stipend.
Maximizing the Tax-Free Housing Stipend
Choosing the tax-free housing stipend offers the potential for significantly higher take-home pay but shifts the responsibility of finding, securing, and managing the accommodation entirely to the nurse. The tax-exempt status of the stipend is governed by specific Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations, defining it as a reimbursement for duplicated living expenses.
A nurse must maintain a “Tax Home,” which is their permanent residence outside the assignment area, to qualify for this benefit under IRC Section 162. Failing to maintain a Tax Home or accepting a contract that is too close to one’s permanent residence can result in the entire stipend being reclassified as taxable income, leading to substantial tax liabilities.
The stipend’s value is often calculated based on government per diem rates for the assignment area, not the actual cost the nurse incurs. The nurse receives the full stipend amount regardless of whether they spend all of it, creating an incentive to find accommodation below the stipend’s value. This difference between the per diem amount and the actual expense is where the nurse realizes the financial advantage, resulting in a higher net income than the agency-provided housing model.
Practical Strategies for Securing Your Own Accommodation
Nurses who elect to receive the housing stipend must execute an efficient and timely search for suitable accommodation, often needing to secure housing within a few weeks before the contract start date. Specialized platforms like Furnished Finder cater specifically to the traveling healthcare professional market, offering month-to-month leases on furnished units.
Other viable options include short-term leases from corporate housing companies or extended-stay bookings through platforms like Airbnb, often with a request for a long-term discount. Successful self-sourcing relies heavily on negotiation, as landlords are frequently willing to offer reduced rates for a guaranteed 13-week booking. It is highly important to vet the landlord and the property remotely through video tours and lease reviews before signing agreements or transferring funds.
Essential Factors for Evaluating Any Housing Situation
Regardless of whether the housing is agency-provided or self-sourced, several factors require close scrutiny before accepting a move. A thorough review of these variables ensures the accommodation supports the demanding schedule of a travel nurse.
Key Evaluation Factors
- The safety profile of the neighborhood, as nurses often work late or early shifts and must feel secure commuting.
- The distance and commute time to the contracted facility, considering local traffic patterns and public transportation.
- Parking availability, particularly in urban areas where permits or garage fees can add unexpected costs.
- Pet policies, if the nurse travels with animals.
- The utility arrangement to determine if electricity, gas, or internet service is included in the rent or requires separate activation and payment.