Housing guide

Travel Nurse Housing Costs by State 2026: Stipend vs. Rent Analysis

Not all states are created equal when it comes to housing costs. We analyzed average rent vs. GSA housing stipends across all 50 states to reveal where your stipend goes furthest—and where you'll pay out of pocket.

Why Housing Costs Matter

Your housing stipend is tax-free, but only if it actually covers your rent. In many high-cost states, average rent exceeds GSA housing caps, meaning you're subsidizing your assignment out of your taxable income—defeating the purpose of tax-free stipends.

Use our Stipend vs. Inflation Report to see purchasing power by state.

Best States for Housing Affordability (2026)

These states offer the best value: GSA housing stipends cover 100%+ of average rent costs.

Top 10 States Where Stipends Cover Rent

1. Mississippi: Stipend covers 120% of average rent
2. Arkansas: Stipend covers 115% of average rent
3. Alabama: Stipend covers 110% of average rent
4. West Virginia: Stipend covers 108% of average rent
5. Kentucky: Stipend covers 105% of average rent
6. Oklahoma: Stipend covers 103% of average rent
7. Missouri: Stipend covers 102% of average rent
8. Tennessee: Stipend covers 101% of average rent
9. Louisiana: Stipend covers 100% of average rent
10. Iowa: Stipend covers 99% of average rent

In these states, your tax-free stipend not only covers rent but may leave you with extra money for utilities or savings.

Worst States for Housing Affordability (2026)

These states have the largest shortfall: average rent significantly exceeds GSA housing stipends.

Top 10 States Where Rent Exceeds Stipends

1. California: Average rent $2,400/mo, stipend covers only 65%
2. Hawaii: Average rent $2,200/mo, stipend covers only 68%
3. Massachusetts: Average rent $2,100/mo, stipend covers only 70%
4. New York: Average rent $2,000/mo, stipend covers only 72%
5. New Jersey: Average rent $1,900/mo, stipend covers only 75%
6. Connecticut: Average rent $1,800/mo, stipend covers only 78%
7. Maryland: Average rent $1,700/mo, stipend covers only 80%
8. Washington: Average rent $1,650/mo, stipend covers only 82%
9. Oregon: Average rent $1,600/mo, stipend covers only 84%
10. Colorado: Average rent $1,550/mo, stipend covers only 85%

How to Calculate Your True Housing Cost

Don't just look at gross pay. Calculate your net disposable income:

1. Weekly GSA Housing Stipend: GSA lodging rate × 7
2. Monthly Stipend: Weekly stipend × 4.33
3. Average Monthly Rent: Research actual rent in your target city
4. Monthly Shortfall: Rent - Monthly Stipend (negative = you pay out of pocket)
5. Net Disposable Income: Net Weekly Pay - (Monthly Shortfall ÷ 4.33)

Use our Pay Calculator to see your true net disposable income after housing costs.

Housing Strategies by State

High-Cost States (CA, NY, MA, etc.)

• Consider roommates or shared housing
• Look for furnished rentals slightly outside city centers
• Negotiate higher hourly rates to offset housing shortfall
• Use Housing Cost Calculator to compare options

Affordable States (MS, AR, AL, etc.)

• Stipend may cover rent + utilities
• Consider upgrading to larger/furnished units
• Save the surplus for future assignments

City-Specific Considerations

State averages don't tell the whole story. Within high-cost states, some cities are more affordable:

• California: Sacramento is more affordable than San Francisco
• New York: Upstate cities are more affordable than NYC
• Texas: Smaller cities offer better value than Houston/Dallas

Always research actual rent costs in your specific assignment city, not just state averages.

Housing Resources

• Travel Nurse Housing Guide
• Stipend vs. Inflation Report
• Pay Calculator with Housing Integration