The Short Answer
Complete Blueground review for travel nurses. Evaluate this mid-term rental company's pricing, apartments, and whether it's worth it compared to Furnished Finder and other options.
Read the full breakdown below for detailed analysis, examples, and actionable steps.
When my recruiter mentioned Blueground for my Manhattan assignment, I was intrigued. The photos looked like something from a design magazine—sleek furniture, modern decor, high-end finishes. But then I saw the price.
$4,200/month for a studio in Midtown.
My housing stipend was $2,100/week ($9,100/month), so technically I could afford it. But should I? That’s what this review is about—helping you decide if Blueground is worth the premium for travel nurses.
What Is Blueground?
Blueground is a mid-term rental company that offers fully furnished apartments in major cities worldwide. Unlike Furnished Finder (where individual landlords list properties) or Airbnb (vacation rentals), Blueground is a corporate rental company that:
- Leases apartments directly from buildings
- Furnishes and decorates them professionally
- Manages all maintenance and services
- Offers 1-12 month flexible leases
Think of it as a luxury hotel experience in an apartment setting.
Blueground at a Glance
| Factor | Blueground Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | ★★★★★ | High-end furnishings, modern design |
| Price | ★★☆☆☆ | Premium pricing ($2,000-5,000/month) |
| Locations | ★★★☆☆ | Major cities only |
| Flexibility | ★★★★☆ | 1-month minimum, easy extensions |
| Convenience | ★★★★★ | Move-in ready, all-inclusive |
| Value for Travel Nurses | ★★☆☆☆ | Often exceeds housing stipend |
Blueground Pricing: What to Expect
Blueground apartments are premium-priced. Here’s what I found researching current rates:
| City | Studio | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | $3,500-5,500 | $4,500-7,000 | $6,000-10,000 |
| San Francisco | $3,200-4,800 | $4,000-6,000 | $5,500-8,500 |
| Los Angeles | $2,800-4,200 | $3,500-5,500 | $4,500-7,000 |
| Boston | $3,000-4,500 | $3,800-5,500 | $5,000-7,500 |
| Chicago | $2,200-3,500 | $2,800-4,500 | $3,800-6,000 |
| Seattle | $2,500-3,800 | $3,200-5,000 | $4,200-6,500 |
| Austin | $2,000-3,200 | $2,600-4,000 | $3,500-5,500 |
| Miami | $2,400-3,600 | $3,000-4,500 | $4,000-6,000 |
Note: Rates vary by neighborhood, floor level, and specific building amenities. These are general ranges for 2026.
What’s Included in Blueground Pricing
The monthly rate typically includes:
- Fully furnished apartment (designer furniture, quality linens)
- All utilities (electricity, water, gas, trash)
- High-speed WiFi
- Weekly cleaning (in most locations)
- 24/7 customer support
- Flexible lease terms
- No security deposit (in some cases)
You essentially just show up with your suitcase.
My Blueground Experience: The Honest Review
I stayed at a Blueground studio in Chicago for a 13-week Cardiac ICU assignment. Here’s what I found:
The Good
Quality was exceptional. The apartment looked exactly like the photos—modern furniture, comfortable bed, well-equipped kitchen. Everything felt new and high-end.
Move-in was seamless. I got a code, showed up, and everything worked. WiFi was fast, AC was cold, kitchen had everything I needed.
No surprises. Utilities included meant my monthly cost was predictable. No separate electric bill shock.
Location was prime. Blueground focuses on desirable neighborhoods. My place was walkable to restaurants, grocery stores, and a reasonable Uber to the hospital.
Customer service responded quickly. When my dishwasher had an issue, they had someone there the next day.
The Not-So-Good
Price was painful. I paid $3,100/month for a studio. My housing stipend was $1,400/week ($6,067/month), so I netted $2,967/month tax-free. On Furnished Finder, I could have found something for $1,400/month and kept $4,667/month instead.
The difference: $1,700/month, or $5,100 over 13 weeks. That’s a vacation or a solid chunk of savings I gave up.
Studios feel small. After 12-hour shifts, coming home to a 450 sq ft studio got cramped. The quality was nice, but I missed having separate spaces.
Limited availability. Blueground doesn’t exist in most travel nurse markets. They focus on major metros, so smaller cities or suburban hospital locations aren’t covered.
Blueground vs. Other Housing Options
Let’s compare Blueground to alternatives for a 13-week assignment:
Blueground vs. Furnished Finder
| Factor | Blueground | Furnished Finder |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $2,500-5,000 | $800-1,800 |
| Quality | Premium, standardized | Varies by listing |
| Furnishing style | Modern, designer | Basic to nice |
| Utilities | Always included | Usually included |
| Flexibility | 1-month minimum | Varies |
| Availability | Major cities only | Nationwide |
| Management | Corporate | Individual landlords |
Winner for value: Furnished Finder (saves $1,000-3,000/month) Winner for quality/convenience: Blueground
Blueground vs. Airbnb
| Factor | Blueground | Airbnb |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $2,500-5,000 | $1,500-3,500 |
| Quality | Consistent, high-end | Varies wildly |
| Fees | All-inclusive | Service fees (12-15%), cleaning |
| Lease flexibility | Monthly | Daily (monthly discounts available) |
| Verification | Corporate property | Host-dependent |
Winner for value: Airbnb (with monthly discounts) Winner for consistency: Blueground
Blueground vs. Extended Stay Hotels
| Factor | Blueground | Extended Stay Hotels |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $2,500-5,000 | $1,200-2,500 |
| Feel | Apartment living | Hotel room |
| Kitchen | Full kitchen | Kitchenette (usually) |
| Space | 450-1,200 sq ft | 300-500 sq ft |
| Privacy | Private apartment | Hotel atmosphere |
| Housekeeping | Weekly | Weekly |
Winner for value: Extended Stay Winner for living experience: Blueground
When Blueground Makes Sense for Travel Nurses
Despite the premium pricing, Blueground can be the right choice in specific situations:
1. Your Stipend Is Exceptionally High
If you’re making $2,500+/week in housing stipend (some NYC, SF, or crisis assignments), Blueground might fit within budget while still leaving profit.
Example:
- Stipend: $2,800/week ($12,133/month)
- Blueground studio: $4,500/month
- Net tax-free profit: $7,633/month
That’s still solid income, and you get premium living.
2. You’re Coming from Agency Housing
If you’re used to agency-provided housing (which you forfeit your stipend for), Blueground might feel like an upgrade you’re “paying for” from your stipend—which can feel more palatable psychologically.
3. You Value Premium Quality
Some nurses prioritize living experience over maximizing stipend savings. If coming home to a beautiful apartment after brutal shifts matters to you, the premium might be worth it.
4. You’re Traveling with a Partner/Family
Blueground’s larger apartments (2BR+) can make sense for families where the per-person cost becomes more reasonable. Splitting a $5,000 2BR between two nurses is $2,500 each—competitive with solo Furnished Finder rates.
5. You’re Burned Out on Housing Hunting
After years of travel nursing, some nurses just want easy. Blueground’s consistency and professionalism eliminate the stress of dealing with individual landlords.
When to Skip Blueground
1. You Want to Maximize Stipend Savings
If your goal is keeping as much of your housing stipend as possible, Blueground is rarely the right choice. You’ll net $1,500-3,000/month more on Furnished Finder.
2. Your Assignment Is in a Smaller City
Blueground only operates in major metros. If your assignment is in Tulsa, Omaha, or any mid-sized city, it’s not an option anyway.
3. You’re on a Standard (Non-Crisis) Assignment
Standard assignments with typical stipends ($1,200-1,500/week) make Blueground a budget stretch. You might keep very little—or actually lose money—compared to your stipend.
4. You’re Fine with Basic Accommodations
If a simple, clean apartment is all you need, paying premium for designer furniture doesn’t make sense. That $1,500/month Furnished Finder rental will serve you just fine.
How to Book Blueground
If you decide Blueground fits your needs:
- Visit blueground.com and search your city
- Filter by move-in date and length of stay
- Review available apartments (photos, floor plans, amenities)
- Check the neighborhood for hospital proximity
- Book online (usually instant booking)
- Receive access codes before move-in
Tips for Booking
- Book early — Best units go fast, especially in competitive markets
- Ask about travel nurse rates — Some locations offer discounts for healthcare workers
- Check for promotions — Blueground occasionally runs first-month discounts
- Negotiate longer stays — 6+ month stays sometimes get better rates
Final Verdict: Is Blueground Worth It?
For most travel nurses: No.
The premium pricing ($2,500-5,000/month) significantly cuts into your housing stipend profit compared to alternatives like Furnished Finder ($800-1,800/month).
However, Blueground is worth considering if:
- Your housing stipend is $2,500+/week
- You prioritize quality over savings
- You want completely hands-off, premium accommodations
- You’re in a major city with limited Furnished Finder options
- You’re splitting costs with another traveler
For the average travel nurse looking to maximize take-home pay, stick with Furnished Finder or Extended Stay hotels. You’ll keep thousands more in your pocket—tax-free.
Compare Your Options
Use our calculators to see how different housing choices affect your take-home:
- Stipend Calculator — Calculate your housing profit
- Pay Calculator — See your full take-home breakdown
- Assignment Cost Calculator — Factor all expenses
Related Housing Guides
- Furnished Finder Guide
- Furnished Finder vs. Airbnb
- Furnished Finder vs. Blueground
- Extended Stay America vs. Homewood Suites
- Travel Nurse Housing Guide
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