Arizona vs Nevada: Travel Nurse Pay Comparison
Compare travel nurse pay, taxes, stipends, and cost of living between Arizona and Nevada. Based on our analysis, Arizona offers better overall take-home pay.
Last updated: August 24, 2026
Our Recommendation
Arizona
Offers approximately $229/week more in discretionary income
Higher Pay
NV
Better Taxes
NV
Lower COL
AZ
Higher Stipends
AZ
Best Net Income
AZ
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arizona | Nevada | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Hourly Rate | $48/hr | $50/hr | NV |
| Weekly Gross (incl. stipends) | $4,125 | $3,890 | AZ |
| State Income Tax | 2.5% | None | NV |
| Est. Weekly Net Pay | $3,616 | $3,410 | AZ |
| Cost of Living Index | 97.2 | 101.6 | AZ |
| Average 1BR Rent | $1,200/mo | $1,300/mo | AZ |
| Weekly Housing Stipend (GSA) | $1,603 | $1,288 | AZ |
| Compact License State | Yes | Yes | — |
| Est. Weekly Discretionary Income | $3,339 | $3,110 | AZ |
Arizona Overview
Pay: Arizona offers $48/hr average with $4,125/week gross including stipends.
Taxes: 2.5% state income tax, making it tax-friendly.
Cost of Living: Index of 97.2 with average rent of $1,200/mo.
Licensing: Compact state (eNLC), $300 fee, 2-4 weeks.
Nevada Overview
Pay: Nevada offers $50/hr average with $3,890/week gross including stipends.
Taxes: No state income tax, making it tax-friendly.
Cost of Living: Index of 101.6 with average rent of $1,300/mo.
Licensing: Compact state (eNLC), $300 fee, 2-4 weeks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which state pays travel nurses more: Arizona or Nevada?
Nevada offers higher gross pay at $50/hr compared to $48/hr. However, Arizona provides better take-home pay after taxes and cost of living adjustments.
Is Arizona or Nevada better for travel nurse taxes?
Nevada is more tax-friendly with no state income tax. Arizona has a 2.5% state tax.
What is the cost of living difference between Arizona and Nevada?
Arizona has a COL index of 97.2 while Nevada is 101.6. Average 1BR rent: Arizona $1200/mo vs Nevada $1300/mo. Arizona is more affordable overall.
Which state has higher GSA stipend rates?
Arizona offers higher tax-free stipends at $2,205/week compared to $1,890/week in Nevada.
Should I take a travel nurse assignment in Arizona or Nevada?
Based on our analysis, Arizona offers approximately $229 more in weekly discretionary income after housing. However, consider factors like licensing (Arizona is compact, Nevada is compact), job availability, and personal preferences.