Texas vs Arizona: Travel Nurse Pay Comparison
Compare travel nurse pay, taxes, stipends, and cost of living between Texas and Arizona. Based on our analysis, Arizona offers better overall take-home pay.
Last updated: August 24, 2026
Our Recommendation
Arizona
Offers approximately $298/week more in discretionary income
Higher Pay
AZ
Better Taxes
TX
Lower COL
TX
Higher Stipends
AZ
Best Net Income
AZ
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Texas | Arizona | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Hourly Rate | $46/hr | $48/hr | AZ |
| Weekly Gross (incl. stipends) | $3,737 | $4,125 | AZ |
| State Income Tax | None | 2.5% | TX |
| Est. Weekly Net Pay | $3,295 | $3,616 | AZ |
| Cost of Living Index | 92.7 | 97.2 | TX |
| Average 1BR Rent | $1,100/mo | $1,200/mo | TX |
| Weekly Housing Stipend (GSA) | $1,337 | $1,603 | AZ |
| Compact License State | Yes | Yes | — |
| Est. Weekly Discretionary Income | $3,041 | $3,339 | AZ |
Texas Overview
Pay: Texas offers $46/hr average with $3,737/week gross including stipends.
Taxes: No state income tax, making it tax-friendly.
Cost of Living: Index of 92.7 with average rent of $1,100/mo.
Licensing: Compact state (eNLC), $200 fee, 2-4 weeks.
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.
Ready to Calculate Your Exact Pay?
Use our pay calculator with your specific contract details for both states.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state pays travel nurses more: Texas or Arizona?
Arizona offers higher gross pay at $48/hr compared to $46/hr. However, Arizona provides better take-home pay after taxes and cost of living adjustments.
Is Texas or Arizona better for travel nurse taxes?
Texas is more tax-friendly with no state income tax. Arizona has a 2.5% state tax.
What is the cost of living difference between Texas and Arizona?
Texas has a COL index of 92.7 while Arizona is 97.2. Average 1BR rent: Texas $1100/mo vs Arizona $1200/mo. Texas is more affordable overall.
Which state has higher GSA stipend rates?
Arizona offers higher tax-free stipends at $2,205/week compared to $1,897/week in Texas.
Should I take a travel nurse assignment in Texas or Arizona?
Based on our analysis, Arizona offers approximately $298 more in weekly discretionary income after housing. However, consider factors like licensing (Texas is compact, Arizona is compact), job availability, and personal preferences.