Travel nurses (and other healthcare professionals) are paid more generously than staff because they are expected to duplicate their expenses.

Some people are blessed with family/friends that will allow them to stay with them while on an assignment while others are often left clueless as how to find housing. (Keep in mind if you do stay with family/friends while on assignment, you will still keep documentation of your duplicated expenses in case of an IRS audit).

A few agencies will offer “company housing” which is typically in an extended stay hotel or a private furnished apartment. This is not often the best option because many agencies will reduce or completely eliminate the tax free stipend (which means less money on your paychecks). It is often more profitable to find your own housing and keep the leftovers from the stipend to pay your rent/mortgage back home.

I personally have used many options mostly furnished finder (my favorite) and Airbnb. There were times when I couldn’t afford not to have roommates and even though they were all strangers when I moved in, they were all friends when we moved out.

Furnished Finder

Furnished Finder is a website exclusive for traveling professionals (not just healthcare). Owners of apartments/houses will list their properties on this site with photos, details and availability dates. They will often request some information from you (I’ve been asked to perform background checks and to send over a copy of my contract). Landlords have also been scammed and they want to ensure you are who you say you are and I can’t blame them for that. BUT I will never pay out of my own pocket for a background check that the landlord requires/requests–if they want to pay, sure. I will also delete/block out contents in my contract that I don’t want them to see (ie: my hourly rate or stipend amount).

PROS

CONS

-Landlords understand that you will (often) only be staying for 1-3 months and are typically more flexible -You will often sign a lease providing some guarantee of your housing -Down payment is typically reasonable (not 1st and last month’s rent and a security deposit)- making it more affordable than a true short-term rental -Fully stocked homes that usually have everything you’ll need to cook, clean and rest -NO TRANSACTION FEES -Utilities, cable and Wi-Fi often included -You can make a public posting requesting housing and landlords can contact you instead of you searching for them

-Sometimes landlords will ask you for money prior to arrival – I do not support this and do not recommend sending anything more than a security deposit -Rarely reviews for the properties -Background checks and providing personal information – seen as invasive for some people

Air BnB and VRBO

When I moved to NYC for my first travel nurse assignment I had less than $200 in my bank account. I couldn’t afford to give up my stipend so I looked into AirBnB and VRBO (if you’re unfamiliar these are online marketplaces for lodging, primarily homestays for vacation rentals). These platforms often allow you to pay with credit card and sometimes set up a payment plan. I remember having to ask my mother to put the first payment for my apartment on her credit card until I could afford to pay her back. These options can be very convenient for people who do not have enough money to put down a large payment for a short-term rental.

PROS	CONS
-Payment plans available -Quick booking online -Good option for those who may have low credit score -Able to use a credit card if needed -Utilities, cable and Wi-Fi often included -You can view dates of availability for the whole year to see if extending for longer would/could be an option	-High fees for using these apps -Cleaning fees are sometimes unreasonable -If your contract is cancelled early and you want to move out (early) you may not be eligible for a refund -If you wish to extend your stay you often must pay more fees -You are often working with rental companies; no face-to-face contact with landlord (that can also be a pro for some people)

Extended Stay Hotels

During the pandemic extended stay hotels became a very cost-effective option for both travelers and agencies. Hotel chains were desperate to fill their properties with guests and healthcare workers had a major need for housing. It worked well for both ends. Often times hotels were allowing doctors/nurses to stay for free and a reduced cost. This has pretty much come to an end in 2022 but you can still ask if there is a first-responder discount. There are some agencies (especially those funded by FEMA that will provided housing for free – no reduction in your stipend) and they are often in extended stay hotels though some of them do not have any kitchens/kitchenettes so be sure to ask about this if you’ll need it.

PROS	CONS
-Daily or weekly housing keeping -Easy to cancel/leave early if needed -Guaranteed housing with reservation possible -Ability to pay with credit card or pay over time	-Safety – people will have key access to your room/suite -Often no kitchen/kitchenette -Can be more expensive

Short-Term Rentals

When I became a travel nurse in 2018, I was drowning in debt and my credit score was terrible. I didn’t know how to find housing so I looked into short-term rentals. This quickly became the least viable option. These properties are often unfurnished (furnished at an additional cost) and do not provide basic essentials (cleaning supplies, cook wear, towels, linen etc.) Often these companies will screen you like they would a tenant, that means you may be subject to paying application fees and submitting for background and/or credit checks. I was once asked to provide 1st and last month’s rent as well as a security deposit, which is basically 3 months rent or the total rent required for the entire length of my lease. No thank you. You will definitely be required to sign a lease and they are often not flexible so if your contract gets cut short, you will still be responsible for your rental and any cancellation fees (if they even allow you end your lease early).

PROS	CONS
-More options available	-High cost upfront (1st/last month’s rent and security deposit -Often unfurnished or minimal furnishings -Utilities likely not included and you often as responsible for setting up account with electric + water companies -No amnesty if your contract is cancelled early

Hello Landing

This is a company that provides flexible leases for furnished apartments throughout the U.S. They are move-in ready with fully equipped kitchen, linens, etc. Booking online is super easy and they provide great details about all of their listed properties. They advertise on their website that there are no application feeds but there are some fees monthly to use this platform so keep that in mind (similar fees as AirBnB).

PROS	CONS
-Quick booking online -Fully furnished with fully equipped kitchen -Pre-activated utilities	-Extra fees -Utilities not always included in monthly rental price -Cable/Wifi often not included -Often more expensive