Travel Nurse Pay in Portland, Oregon: 2026 Cost of Living & GSA Rates

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

Last updated: February 21, 2026

Economics Verdict

Profitable: Portland Travel Nursing

GSA Housing Cap (Weekly)

$1,281/wk

≈ $5,546.73/mo

Avg Rent (1BR)

$1,700/mo

Margin

+$3,846.73/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 Oregon ($840/week). This is the maximum tax-free amount.
Effective Tax Rate33.9%
Federal: 24%
State: 9.9%

Same state assignment. You'll pay 9.9% state tax plus 24% federal tax.

Overtime (Optional)

Blended Hourly Rate

$58.89

Based on 36 hours in OR.

Gross Weekly Pay

$2,120

Taxable Weekly Income

$720

Estimated Weekly Taxes

$244

True Net Weekly Pay

$1,876

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Assignment Projections

13-Week Assignment

$24,387

Net Pay

26-Week Assignment

$48,774

Net Pay

Annual (52 weeks)

$97,548

Net Pay

Take Home vs Taxes

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Take Home

$1,876

per week

Taxes

$244

per week

Total Gross: $2,120 per week

🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis

Your Weekly Housing Stipend

$1,000

$4,330/month

Est. 1BR Rent in Oregon

$1,400

Monthly average

Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money

+$2,930

Your stipend covers rent with $2,930 left over each month.

Find apartments under $1,400/month in Portland:

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Cost of Living Analysis in Oregon

Monthly Net Income:$8,123
Average 1BR Rent:$1,400
True Discretionary Income:$6,723

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

Cost of Living Index:130.8

National average = 100. Oregon's cost of living is higher than the national average by 30.8 points.

💡 High cost of living area. Ensure your pay compensates for the increased expenses.

Housing Cost: High

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 Portland

Average Hourly Rate

$55/hr

Average Weekly Pay

$2,200

GSA Lodging Rate

$183/night

GSA Meal Rate

$64/day

Cost of Living in Portland

Cost of Living Index

130.8 (Above National Average)

Studio

$1400/mo

1 Bedroom

$1700/mo

2 Bedroom

$2300/mo

Top Hospitals in Portland

  • 🏥 OHSU Hospital
  • 🏥 Providence Portland
  • 🏥 Legacy Health

In-Demand Specialties

ICU ER OR

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do travel nurses make in Portland, Oregon?

Travel nurses in Portland typically earn between $50 and $65 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $55/hr. When including tax-free stipends, the blended hourly rate ranges from $62-77 per hour.

What are the GSA rates for Portland, Oregon?

The GSA per diem rates for Portland are: Lodging: $183/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 Portland?

The cost of living index in Portland is 130.8, which is above the national average. Average rent ranges from $1400 for a studio to $2300 for a two-bedroom apartment.

What hospitals hire travel nurses in Portland?

Top hospitals in Portland that frequently hire travel nurses include OHSU Hospital, Providence Portland, Legacy Health, and others. These facilities offer competitive pay rates and excellent working conditions for travel nurses.

What specialties are in demand in Portland?

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

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Resources for Portland