The Short Answer
Everything travel nurses need to know about Furnished Finder. How it works, costs, how to find housing, landlord tips, and comparison with Airbnb. Updated for 2026.
Read the full breakdown below for detailed analysis, examples, and actionable steps.
Furnished Finder is the go-to housing platform for travel nurses, offering mid-term furnished rentals at prices typically 30-50% below Airbnb. Whether you’re a travel nurse looking for housing or a landlord considering the platform, this guide covers everything you need to know.
What Is Furnished Finder?
Furnished Finder is a housing marketplace specifically designed for traveling healthcare professionals. Unlike Airbnb (short-term vacation rentals) or Apartments.com (long-term leases), Furnished Finder focuses on mid-term furnished rentals — typically 1-6 month stays that align perfectly with travel nurse assignment lengths.
Quick facts:
- Founded: 2014, specifically for traveling nurses
- Listings: 100,000+ across all 50 states
- Average monthly cost: $1,200-$2,200 (vs. $2,000-$4,000 on Airbnb)
- Typical lease: Month-to-month or assignment-length
- Utilities: Usually included in rent
How Furnished Finder Works for Travel Nurses
Step 1: Search by Location
Enter your assignment city and dates. Furnished Finder shows available properties near your facility, with filters for:
- Price range
- Number of bedrooms
- Pet-friendly options
- Parking included
- Private vs. shared spaces
Step 2: Contact Landlords Directly
Unlike Airbnb where you book instantly, Furnished Finder connects you directly with property owners. This means:
- You can negotiate price
- You can ask specific questions about the unit
- No service fees added to your rent
- More flexibility on move-in/move-out dates
Step 3: Arrange Your Stay
You and the landlord agree on terms directly. Most landlords on Furnished Finder are familiar with travel nurse schedules and offer:
- Month-to-month leases
- Assignment-length agreements
- Flexible early termination (for contract cancellations)
- Furnished spaces with everything you need
Furnished Finder Costs: What Travel Nurses Pay
For Travel Nurses (Renters)
Furnished Finder is free to use for travel nurses. There are no fees, no service charges, and no booking commissions. You only pay rent directly to the landlord.
| Cost Item | Furnished Finder | Airbnb | Traditional Apartment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service/booking fee | $0 | $100-$500+ | $0 |
| Monthly rent | $1,200-$2,200 | $2,000-$4,000 | $1,000-$2,500 |
| Security deposit | $0-$500 | $0-$500 | 1 month rent |
| Utilities | Usually included | Usually included | Extra $150-$300/mo |
| Furniture | Included | Included | You buy/rent |
| Minimum stay | 1 month typical | 1 night | 6-12 month lease |
For Landlords (Property Owners)
Landlords pay a flat annual fee to list on Furnished Finder:
- Listing cost: $99/year per property
- No per-booking commissions
- No percentage of rent taken
- Compare: Airbnb takes 3% from hosts + 14% from guests
This is why Furnished Finder is cheaper for renters — landlords don’t need to inflate prices to cover platform fees.
Why Travel Nurses Prefer Furnished Finder
1. Built for Healthcare Travelers
Every landlord on the platform knows they’re renting to nurses and healthcare professionals. This means:
- Understanding of 13-week assignment cycles
- Familiarity with contract cancellation situations
- Properties set up for working professionals (desk space, good WiFi, quiet neighborhoods)
2. Significant Cost Savings
On a typical 13-week assignment in a mid-cost city:
| Platform | Monthly Rent | 13-Week Total | Stipend Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furnished Finder | $1,500/mo | $4,875 | Keep $2,925+ |
| Airbnb | $2,500/mo | $8,125 | Keep $625 |
| Hotel | $3,500/mo | $11,375 | Lose $3,575 |
Based on $2,400/week housing stipend × 13 weeks = $7,800 total stipend
That’s potentially $3,250 more in your pocket by choosing Furnished Finder over Airbnb — money that stays tax-free.
3. No Platform Fees
Airbnb charges guests a service fee of 12-14% and hosts 3%. On a 3-month stay at $2,500/month, that’s an extra $750-$1,050 in fees. Furnished Finder charges neither party per-booking fees.
4. Direct Landlord Communication
Messaging landlords directly means:
- Negotiate rent (especially for longer stays)
- Get specific details about the property
- Arrange early move-in or late checkout
- Build a relationship for future assignments in the same area
How to Find the Best Housing on Furnished Finder
Tip 1: Search Early
Start looking 4-6 weeks before your assignment start date. The best properties get booked quickly, especially in high-demand markets like California, New York, and Florida.
Tip 2: Message Multiple Landlords
Send inquiries to 5-10 properties. Not all landlords respond quickly, and some properties may already be spoken for.
Tip 3: Negotiate the Price
Many landlords will lower rent for:
- 3+ month stays (full assignment length)
- Repeat renters
- Off-peak months (summer in seasonal markets)
A simple message works: “I’m a travel nurse with a 13-week assignment starting [date]. Would you consider $X/month for the full assignment period?”
Tip 4: Check the Location
Use Google Maps to verify:
- Distance to your facility (aim for under 20-minute commute)
- Nearby grocery stores and essentials
- Neighborhood safety
- Parking situation
Tip 5: Ask Key Questions Before Committing
- Is WiFi included? What speed?
- Is there a washer/dryer?
- What’s the cancellation policy if my contract gets cancelled?
- Are there any additional fees (cleaning, parking)?
- Is the property in a safe neighborhood?
Furnished Finder vs. Airbnb for Travel Nurses
This is the most common comparison travel nurses make. Here’s the detailed breakdown:
| Feature | Furnished Finder | Airbnb |
|---|---|---|
| Target audience | Healthcare travelers | Vacation travelers |
| Average monthly cost | $1,200-$2,200 | $2,000-$4,000 |
| Booking fees | None | 12-14% service fee |
| Lease flexibility | Monthly/assignment | Nightly (expensive) |
| Landlord familiarity with nurses | High | Low |
| Cancellation flexibility | Negotiable | Platform policy |
| Instant booking | No (contact landlord) | Yes |
| Property verification | Basic | Verified photos |
| Customer support | Limited | 24/7 support |
Bottom line: Furnished Finder saves money. Airbnb offers more convenience and support. For most travel nurses, the savings of $500-$1,500/month make Furnished Finder the better choice.
Read our detailed comparison: Furnished Finder vs. Airbnb for Travel Nurses
Why Landlords Choose Furnished Finder Over Airbnb
If you’re a property owner considering Furnished Finder:
Financial Advantages
- $99/year flat fee vs. Airbnb’s 3% host commission on every booking
- Higher occupancy rates (3-month stays vs. sporadic short-term bookings)
- Less turnover = less cleaning, maintenance, and vacancy
- No need to inflate prices to cover platform fees
Tenant Quality
- Travel nurses are employed, background-checked professionals
- Reliable income (agencies pay nurses weekly)
- Nurses work 12-hour shifts — they’re rarely home causing problems
- Professional tenants who respect the property
Less Work
- One tenant for 3 months vs. dozens of short-term guests
- Fewer cleanings (1 deep clean every 3 months vs. weekly)
- Less communication overhead
- No revolving door of strangers
Read more: Why Landlords Choose Furnished Finder Over Airbnb
Furnished Finder Free Posting Cost Breakdown
For travel nurses: Completely free. No signup fees, no booking fees, no hidden charges.
For landlords:
- Standard listing: $99/year per property
- No per-booking commission
- No percentage of rent charged
- Listing includes photos, description, availability calendar
- Can message unlimited potential tenants
Compare to Airbnb landlord costs:
- Airbnb host fee: 3% of booking total
- On a $1,800/month × 12 months = $21,600/year rental income
- 3% = $648/year in Airbnb fees
- Furnished Finder: $99/year (saves $549+)
For landlords with multiple properties or frequent bookings, Furnished Finder is significantly cheaper.
How to Maximize Your Housing Stipend
Your housing stipend is tax-free money — keeping more of it means higher take-home pay. Here’s how:
- Use Furnished Finder to find below-stipend housing
- Calculate your stipend profit with our stipend calculator
- Compare GSA rates for your assignment location
- Consider roommates — splitting a 2BR can cut costs 30-40%
- Negotiate rent directly with landlords
Use our housing stipend calculator to see how much you should be earning in your assignment city.
Furnished Finder Alternatives
While Furnished Finder is the top choice, other options include:
| Platform | Best For | Cost Level |
|---|---|---|
| Furnished Finder | Best overall for travel nurses | $$ |
| Airbnb (monthly stays) | Last-minute bookings, verified properties | $$$$ |
| Blueground | Premium furnished apartments in major cities | $$$$$ |
| Sonder | Hotel-like experience in urban areas | $$$$ |
| Facebook Marketplace | Budget-friendly, local options | $ |
| Craigslist | Cheapest option (verify carefully) | $ |
Read our detailed reviews:
Calculate Your Housing Budget
Before searching for housing, know your numbers:
- Pay Calculator — See your full contract breakdown
- Stipend Calculator — Compare your stipend to GSA rates
- Housing Stipend Guide — Maximize your tax-free housing income
Last updated: February 2026. Pricing based on current market averages. Individual costs vary by location and property.
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