Travel Nurse Pay in Phoenix, Arizona: 2026 Cost of Living & GSA Rates

Economic analysis: GSA housing caps, average rent, and profitability verdict for travel nurses in Phoenix.

Last updated: February 21, 2026

Economics Verdict

Profitable: Phoenix Travel Nursing

GSA Housing Cap (Weekly)

$994/wk

≈ $4,304.02/mo

Avg Rent (1BR)

$1,400/mo

Margin

+$2,904.02/mo

Stipend covers rent

Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown

Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.

Excellent: Your housing stipend matches or exceeds the GSA maximum for Arizona ($686/week). This is the maximum tax-free amount.
Effective Tax Rate26.5%
Federal: 24%
State: 2.5%

Same state assignment. You'll pay 2.5% state tax plus 24% federal tax.

Overtime (Optional)

Blended Hourly Rate

$58.89

Based on 36 hours in AZ.

Gross Weekly Pay

$2,120

Taxable Weekly Income

$720

Estimated Weekly Taxes

$191

True Net Weekly Pay

$1,929

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Assignment Projections

13-Week Assignment

$25,080

Net Pay

26-Week Assignment

$50,159

Net Pay

Annual (52 weeks)

$100,318

Net Pay

Take Home vs Taxes

Loading chart...

Take Home

$1,929

per week

Taxes

$191

per week

Total Gross: $2,120 per week

🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis

Your Weekly Housing Stipend

$1,000

$4,330/month

Est. 1BR Rent in Arizona

$1,200

Monthly average

Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money

+$3,130

Your stipend covers rent with $3,130 left over each month.

Find apartments under $1,200/month in Phoenix:

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Cost of Living Analysis in Arizona

Monthly Net Income:$8,353
Average 1BR Rent:$1,200
True Discretionary Income:$7,153

After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses

Cost of Living Index:97.2

National average = 100. Arizona's cost of living is lower than the national average by 2.8 points.

Housing Cost: Moderate

Utilities: Moderate

Rent data based on 2025 market averages. Actual rent may vary by neighborhood and housing type.

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Travel Nurse Pay in Phoenix

Average Hourly Rate

$51/hr

Average Weekly Pay

$2,040

GSA Lodging Rate

$142/night

GSA Meal Rate

$64/day

Cost of Living in Phoenix

Cost of Living Index

108.1 (Above National Average)

Studio

$1200/mo

1 Bedroom

$1400/mo

2 Bedroom

$1900/mo

Top Hospitals in Phoenix

  • 🏥 Mayo Clinic Hospital
  • 🏥 Banner Health
  • 🏥 Dignity Health

In-Demand Specialties

ICU ER Med-Surg

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do travel nurses make in Phoenix, Arizona?

Travel nurses in Phoenix typically earn between $46 and $61 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $51/hr. When including tax-free stipends, the blended hourly rate ranges from $57-72 per hour.

What are the GSA rates for Phoenix, Arizona?

The GSA per diem rates for Phoenix are: Lodging: $142/night, Meals: $64/day, and Incidentals: $5/day. These rates determine the maximum tax-free stipend amounts travel nurses can receive. For official rates, visit [GSA.gov](https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates).

What is the cost of living in Phoenix?

The cost of living index in Phoenix is 108.1, which is above the national average. Average rent ranges from $1200 for a studio to $1900 for a two-bedroom apartment.

What hospitals hire travel nurses in Phoenix?

Top hospitals in Phoenix that frequently hire travel nurses include Mayo Clinic Hospital, Banner Health, Dignity Health, and others. These facilities offer competitive pay rates and excellent working conditions for travel nurses.

What specialties are in demand in Phoenix?

The most in-demand specialties for travel nurses in Phoenix include ICU, ER, Med-Surg. These specialties typically offer higher pay rates and more contract opportunities.

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Resources for Phoenix