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 more gross discretionary income after rent.
Last updated: October 14, 2026
Our Recommendation
Florida
Offers approximately $836/week more in gross discretionary income (before state tax)
Higher Pay
FL
Better Taxes
FL
Lower COL
NC
Higher Stipends
FL
Best Discretionary Income
FL
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Florida | North Carolina | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Hourly Rate | $51/hr | $44/hr | FL |
| Weekly Gross (incl. stipends) | $4,392 | $3,510 | FL |
| State Income Tax | None | Applies | FL |
| Cost of Living Index | 100.7 | 96.5 | NC |
| Average 1BR Rent | $1,300/mo | $1,100/mo | NC |
| Weekly Housing Stipend (GSA) | $1,708 | $1,190 | FL |
| Compact License State | Yes | Yes | — |
| Est. Weekly Discretionary Income (gross, pre-tax) | $4,092 | $3,256 | FL |
Florida Overview
Pay: Florida offers $51/hr average with $4,392/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 $3,510/week gross including stipends.
Taxes: State income tax applies, 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 offers more gross discretionary income once rent is factored in — run both through the tax calculator for your actual after-tax comparison.
Is Florida or North Carolina better for travel nurse taxes?
Florida is more tax-friendly — it has no state income tax, while North Carolina does levy one (we don't publish a specific rate; check its official tax tables or your own known rate in the calculator).
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 $2,352/week compared to $1,750/week in North Carolina.
Should I take a travel nurse assignment in Florida or North Carolina?
Based on our analysis, Florida offers approximately $836 more in weekly gross discretionary income after housing (before state tax). However, consider factors like licensing (Florida is compact, North Carolina is compact), job availability, and personal preferences.