Housing guide

Travel Nurse Housing Costs vs. Stipends 2026: Can Your Stipend Cover Rent?

Your tax-free housing stipend sounds great, but does it actually cover rent? We analyzed housing costs vs. GSA stipends across all 50 states to show you where stipends fall short—and where you'll pay out of pocket.

The Stipend vs. Rent Reality

Many travel nurses assume their housing stipend will cover rent, but in high-cost states, average rent often exceeds GSA housing caps. When this happens, you're paying the difference out of your taxable income—defeating the purpose of tax-free stipends.

Example: If your stipend is $1,500/week but rent is $2,400/month, you're paying $900/month out of pocket—that's $10,800/year from your taxable income.

How to Calculate Your Housing Shortfall

Step 1: Find Your Weekly GSA Housing Stipend

Weekly Housing Stipend = GSA Lodging Rate × 7 days

Use our GSA Rates tool to find the maximum for your assignment location.

Step 2: Calculate Monthly Stipend

Monthly Stipend = Weekly Stipend × 4.33 (average weeks per month)

Step 3: Research Actual Rent Costs

Don't rely on state averages. Research actual rent in your specific assignment city using:

• Furnished Finder
• Airbnb (for short-term furnished rentals)
• Local rental websites
• Travel nurse housing groups on Facebook

Step 4: Calculate Shortfall

Monthly Shortfall = Monthly Rent - Monthly Stipend

If negative, you're paying out of pocket. If positive, you have surplus.

States Where Stipends Cover Rent (2026)

In these states, GSA housing stipends typically cover 100%+ of average rent:

• Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, West Virginia, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Missouri, Tennessee, Louisiana, Iowa

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

States Where Rent Exceeds Stipends (2026)

In these states, average rent exceeds GSA housing stipends, requiring out-of-pocket payments:

Top 10 States with Largest Shortfalls

1. California: Average shortfall $800-1,000/month
2. Hawaii: Average shortfall $700-900/month
3. Massachusetts: Average shortfall $600-800/month
4. New York: Average shortfall $550-750/month
5. New Jersey: Average shortfall $500-700/month
6. Connecticut: Average shortfall $450-650/month
7. Maryland: Average shortfall $400-600/month
8. Washington: Average shortfall $350-550/month
9. Oregon: Average shortfall $300-500/month
10. Colorado: Average shortfall $250-450/month

Strategies for High-Cost States

1. Negotiate Higher Hourly Rates

If housing costs exceed stipends, negotiate higher hourly rates to offset the shortfall. A $5/hr increase on 36 hours/week = $180/week = $780/month—enough to cover most shortfalls.

2. Consider Roommates or Shared Housing

Sharing a 2-bedroom apartment can cut your housing costs in half, making stipends more likely to cover rent.

3. Look Outside City Centers

Rent decreases significantly outside major city centers. A 20-30 minute commute can save $300-500/month.

4. Negotiate Stipends Up to GSA Maximums

Many agencies offer stipends below GSA maximums. Use our Stipend Auditor to check if you're being shortchanged.

5. Factor Shortfall into Net Disposable Income

Always calculate net disposable income (net pay - housing shortfall) when comparing contracts. Use our Pay Calculator to automate this.

City-Specific Considerations

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

California

• Sacramento: More affordable than San Francisco
• Fresno: Significantly cheaper than LA
• Bakersfield: Most affordable major city

New York

• Upstate cities (Buffalo, Rochester): Much more affordable than NYC
• Albany: Moderate costs

Texas

• Smaller cities: Better value than Houston/Dallas
• El Paso: Most affordable major city

How to Use This Information

1. Research actual rent: Don't rely on averages—check actual listings in your target city
2. Calculate shortfall: Compare rent to your stipend amount
3. Factor into net pay: Subtract shortfall from net disposable income
4. Negotiate accordingly: If shortfall is large, negotiate higher hourly rates
5. Compare contracts: Use net disposable income, not gross pay, to compare

Resources

• Stipend vs. Inflation Report
• Housing Costs by State
• Stipend Auditor
• Pay Calculator with Housing Integration

Final Takeaway

Don't assume your stipend will cover rent. Always:

1. Research actual rent costs in your target city
2. Calculate the shortfall (rent - stipend)
3. Factor shortfall into net disposable income
4. Negotiate higher rates if shortfall is significant
5. Use our tools to automate calculations