Want to go back to the basics? Our essential guide on travel nursing covers everything you need to know when considering this career.
Agency-Provided Housing
The most common type of housing for travel nurses is agency-provided housing. The travel nursing agency typically arranges this type of housing, and the nurse pays a weekly rate that is often lower than the market rate. Agency-provided housing can be a great option for nurses who want the convenience of not having to find their own housing or for those who want to save money on rent. However, it is important to note that this type of housing may not be available in all areas, and it can be difficult to find an agency-provided apartment that meets your specific needs.
Find Your Own Housing/Using Your Stipend
Another option for travel nurses is to find their own housing and receive a stipend from the agency. This option is often preferable for nurses who want more control over their living situation or for those who want to live in an area that is not served by agency-provided housing. The stipend you receive from the agency will typically cover a portion of your rent, and you will be responsible for finding your own travel nursing housing. This can be a great option for nurses who want to live in a specific area or who have specific housing needs. Don’t worry, we break down the best websites below to find housing that best fits your needs.
Interested in the other benefits offered to travel nurses? Our salary and benefits guide is here to help.
The 11 Best Sites for Finding Travel Nursing Housing
Airbnb
Airbnb is an online marketplace that allows people to list, find, and rent vacation homes, apartments, and other lodging. Founded in 2008, Airbnb has grown to become one of the most popular vacation rental options, with listings in over 190 countries.
For travel nurses, Airbnb can be a great option for finding housing. With its wide range of prices and locations, travel nurses can find an Airbnb that fits their budget and preferences. Additionally, Airbnb offers a number of amenities that can be useful for travel nurses, such as a fully-equipped kitchen and laundry facilities. The site can also be used to find housing that is close to the hospital or clinic where they will be working. Overall, Airbnb can be a convenient and affordable option; just be mindful of any extra fees.
Apartments.com
Apartments.com is one of the most well-known sites for finding your dream apartment, but it also can be used to find short-term housing as well. Choose the filters that fit your lifestyle and ammenity needs, and then choose ‘Short Term’ under the ‘Lifestyle’ filter to get started.
VRBO/HomeAway
VRBO/HomeAway is another company that specializes in vacation home rentals with several property types such as condos, apartments, homes, or even unique places like cabins and beach houses. If you’re considering renting a unique property for your travel nursing assignment, VRBO has you covered with over 2 million bookable rentals. They also offer 24/7 support and a Book with Confidence Guarantee that protects 100% of your payment and security deposit when booking through their online checkout. When contacting your VRBO host, be sure to ask about special long-term rates!
FurnishedFinder.com/Travel Nurse Housing
The same company owns FurnishedFinder.com and Travel Nurse Housing, so preference is really up to which website one prefers. Both websites are free and focus on housing for short-term traveling professionals. The websites allow you to search for both hotels and general housing.
When you’re ready to commit to a place you like, the next step is to submit a housing request and chat with the property owner directly to secure your unit. Properties are not vetted on these sites, so be vigilant of scams, and don’t hesitate to contact your travel nursing agency for advice.
Tripping.com
Tripping.com is the most comprehensive search engine for short-term rentals with a large selection of unique accommodations worldwide that can be found on various booking sites at once – but it’s not just about finding places to stay; you also get access when available features like cost comparisons, and reviews from other renters who have tried them out before your arrival.
In order words: If there are certain properties you’re interested in, Tripping.com will show you where they’re available on various booking sites all at once. You can compare prices and get other people’s reviews to help you make your decision. Plus, the site includes pictures taken by the property owners, so you can really see what you’re getting into!
Extended Stay America
Extended Stay America focuses on hotels rather than apartments or other rentals. It also has an exclusive program designed specifically to accommodate travel nurses, who can enjoy short-term rentals while on assignments with this affordable solution that provides additional discounts through loyalty programs and stays over 30 days. You get the luxury of hotel living with on-site extras like guest laundry, and pets are always welcome — there’s no extra fee associated (unless your pup requires some extra TLC). The biggest drawback that we see with this company is that they have limited options and may not be in the city you’re looking to be a travel nurse in.
Facebook Housing Groups
Facebook housing groups are a great way to find an apartment without the hassle of going through third-party entities. However, like Craigslist, they have not been vetted or verified, so you’ll need to take extra precautions when searching and keep your recruiter in the loop, as they can give you advice when choosing. There are also other travel nurses in these groups who can provide feedback about their experience in that city or town firsthand.
Padmapper/Hotpads
Hotpads and Padmapper are both map-based rental search engines with listings all across the US.
Key features for both include verified landlord contact information, landlord ratings, updates in real-time, and user reviews as part of their internal safety check. They also include a commute-time calculator and a mobile app to keep on top of your potential rentals. Some properties are available to apply for, sign, and pay for all online through their service.
Homestay.com
Homestay.com is a great option if you’re not interested in maintaining an entire apartment and just want a place to lay your head at night. Rooms are far less expensive than renting your own place, and you can learn more about the people and culture of where you’re staying. Be on the lookout for any listings that say ‘visited and verified’ as it means that the listing has been visited and inspected by a Homestay Local Partner, including verifying the host’s identification. Unsure of a listing? Your recruiter is your best resource.
ShortTermHousing.com
ShortTermHousing.com is a furnished housing company that offers short-term housing for professionals and includes specialty housing for healthcare employees. This housing is focused on proximity to medical centers and hospitals or in quiet neighborhoods to help accommodate what shift you work. They also support multiple occupancy if you’re considering having travel nurse roommates.
The tradeoff of this company is the price — it typically costs more than other housing sites, but you receive professional assistance, internet, phone, and cable at their price.
Housestay.com
Housestay.com offers a streamlined service to rent furnished apartments and homes for 30+ nights. In-depth background checks are run on both hosts and tenants as their proactive safety measure. The booking process is as follows: Create an account, send the host a booking request, pay the due at booking once the request is accepted, complete your background check, confirm your resident information, sign your lease, and move in!
With so many options for finding travel nursing housing, you’re sure to find something that fits your needs and budget. Be sure to explore all of your options and ask your recruiter any and all of your questions before committing to any.
And if you’re looking for an online nursing program that will give you the flexibility to set your own schedule and take advantage of opportunities like travel nursing, check out our affordable and accredited online nursing programs.