Travel Nurse Stipend vs. Inflation 2026: Purchasing Power Analysis
Inflation is eroding travel nurse purchasing power. We analyzed GSA housing stipends vs. actual rent costs across all 50 states to reveal which states offer the best—and worst—value for travel nurses in 2026.
Methodology: Compared 2026 GSA weekly housing caps (lodging × 7) to average 1BR rent. Calculated "Purchasing Power Index" (stipend ÷ rent). Higher index = stipend covers more of rent. Estimated 2024-2026 inflation impact using 3% annual rent inflation and 2% GSA rate increases.
Average Purchasing Power
304%
Average: GSA stipend covers 304% of rent
States with Shortfall
0
States where rent exceeds GSA stipend
Inflation Impact
0
States with 2%+ purchasing power decline (2024-2026)
Top 15 States by Purchasing Power (2026)
Higher percentage = GSA stipend covers more of average rent costs.
🏆 Best States for Travel Nurse Purchasing Power
These states offer the best value: GSA housing stipends cover the highest percentage of average rent costs.
| State | Weekly GSA Stipend | Avg Monthly Rent | Purchasing Power | Monthly Surplus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 West Virginia | $686/wk | $750/mo | 396% | +$2,220.38 |
| #2 Alaska | $1,050/wk | $1,200/mo | 379% | +$3,346.5 |
| #3 Arkansas | $686/wk | $800/mo | 371% | +$2,170.38 |
| #4 Iowa | $686/wk | $800/mo | 371% | +$2,170.38 |
| #5 Mississippi | $686/wk | $800/mo | 371% | +$2,170.38 |
| #6 Oklahoma | $686/wk | $800/mo | 371% | +$2,170.38 |
| #7 Kansas | $686/wk | $850/mo | 349% | +$2,120.38 |
| #8 Kentucky | $686/wk | $850/mo | 349% | +$2,120.38 |
| #9 South Dakota | $686/wk | $850/mo | 349% | +$2,120.38 |
| #10 Delaware | $840/wk | $1,100/mo | 331% | +$2,537.2 |
⚠️ Worst States for Travel Nurse Purchasing Power
These states have the lowest purchasing power: rent costs significantly exceed GSA housing stipends, meaning travel nurses must pay out of pocket for housing.
| State | Weekly GSA Stipend | Avg Monthly Rent | Purchasing Power | Monthly Shortfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 California | $1,050/wk | $2,100/mo | 217% |
$2,446.5/mo
Out of pocket |
| #2 New York | $1,050/wk | $2,000/mo | 227% |
$2,546.5/mo
Out of pocket |
| #3 Washington | $840/wk | $1,600/mo | 227% |
$2,037.2/mo
Out of pocket |
| #4 Arizona | $686/wk | $1,200/mo | 248% |
$1,770.38/mo
Out of pocket |
| #5 Utah | $686/wk | $1,200/mo | 248% |
$1,770.38/mo
Out of pocket |
| #6 Massachusetts | $1,050/wk | $1,800/mo | 253% |
$2,746.5/mo
Out of pocket |
| #7 Colorado | $840/wk | $1,400/mo | 260% |
$2,237.2/mo
Out of pocket |
| #8 Oregon | $840/wk | $1,400/mo | 260% |
$2,237.2/mo
Out of pocket |
| #9 New Jersey | $910/wk | $1,500/mo | 263% |
$2,440.3/mo
Out of pocket |
| #10 Georgia | $686/wk | $1,100/mo | 270% |
$1,870.38/mo
Out of pocket |
Key Takeaways
1. Inflation is Eroding Purchasing Power
While GSA rates increased ~2% annually, rent costs increased ~3% annually. This means travel nurses' purchasing power declined in 0 states between 2024-2026.
2. Geographic Disparity is Significant
The best state (purchasing power: 396%) offers 183% better value than the worst state (purchasing power: 217%).
3. High-Pay States Aren't Always Best Value
States with high hourly rates (e.g., California, New York) often have low purchasing power due to extremely high rent costs. Always calculate net disposable income, not just gross pay.
4. 0 States Require Out-of-Pocket Housing Costs
In 0 states, average rent exceeds GSA housing stipends, meaning travel nurses must supplement housing costs from their taxable income—defeating the purpose of tax-free stipends.
Calculate Your True Purchasing Power
Don't just look at gross pay. Use our calculator to see your net disposable income after housing costs in any state.
Methodology & Data Sources
- GSA Rates: 2026 GSA per diem rates from GSA.gov . Weekly housing = lodging rate × 7.
- Rent Data: Average 1-bedroom rent from 2025 market data. Actual rent may vary by neighborhood.
- Inflation Estimates: Based on 3% annual rent inflation and 2% annual GSA rate increases (historical averages).
- Purchasing Power: Calculated as (Monthly GSA Stipend ÷ Average Monthly Rent) × 100.
Disclaimer: This analysis is for educational purposes only. Actual housing costs and GSA rates may vary. Always verify current GSA rates on GSA.gov and research actual rent costs in your target assignment location. This is not financial or tax advice.