Florida vs North Carolina: Travel Nurse Pay Comparison
Compare travel nurse pay, taxes, stipends, and cost of living between Florida and North Carolina. Based on our analysis, Florida offers better overall take-home pay.
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Our Recommendation
Florida
Offers approximately $293/week more in discretionary income
Higher Pay
FL
Better Taxes
FL
Lower COL
NC
Higher Stipends
FL
Best Net Income
FL
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Florida | North Carolina | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Hourly Rate | $51/hr | $44/hr | FL |
| Weekly Gross (incl. stipends) | $3,124 | $2,859 | FL |
| State Income Tax | None | 5.25% | FL |
| Est. Weekly Net Pay | $2,683 | $2,344 | FL |
| Cost of Living Index | 100.7 | 96.5 | NC |
| Average 1BR Rent | $1,300/mo | $1,100/mo | NC |
| Weekly Housing Stipend (GSA) | $840 | $686 | FL |
| Compact License State | Yes | Yes | — |
| Est. Weekly Discretionary Income | $2,383 | $2,090 | FL |
Florida Overview
Pay: Florida offers $51/hr average with $3,124/week gross including stipends.
Taxes: No state income tax, making it tax-friendly.
Cost of Living: Index of 100.7 with average rent of $1,300/mo.
Licensing: Compact state (eNLC), $200 fee, 2-4 weeks.
North Carolina Overview
Pay: North Carolina offers $44/hr average with $2,859/week gross including stipends.
Taxes: 5.25% state income tax, making it less tax-friendly.
Cost of Living: Index of 96.5 with average rent of $1,100/mo.
Licensing: Compact state (eNLC), $200 fee, 2-4 weeks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which state pays travel nurses more: Florida or North Carolina?
Florida offers higher gross pay at $51/hr compared to $44/hr. However, Florida provides better take-home pay after taxes and cost of living adjustments.
Is Florida or North Carolina better for travel nurse taxes?
Florida is more tax-friendly with no state income tax. North Carolina has a 5.25% state tax.
What is the cost of living difference between Florida and North Carolina?
Florida has a COL index of 100.7 while North Carolina is 96.5. Average 1BR rent: Florida $1300/mo vs North Carolina $1100/mo. North Carolina is more affordable overall.
Which state has higher GSA stipend rates?
Florida offers higher tax-free stipends at $1,288/week compared to $1,099/week in North Carolina.
Should I take a travel nurse assignment in Florida or North Carolina?
Based on our analysis, Florida offers approximately $293 more in weekly discretionary income after housing. However, consider factors like licensing (Florida is compact, North Carolina is compact), job availability, and personal preferences.