Travel Nurse Stipend Calculator
Calculate your tax-free housing and meal stipends. Compare to GSA rates and maximize your travel nurse compensation.
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.
Same state assignment. You'll pay 13.3% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$58.89
Based on 36 hours in CA.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,120
Taxable Weekly Income
$720
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$269
True Net Weekly Pay
$1,851
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$24,069
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$48,137
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$96,275
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$1,851
per week
Taxes
$269
per week
Total Gross: $2,120 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$1,000
≈ $4,330/month
Est. 1BR Rent in California
$2,100
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$2,230
Your stipend covers rent with $2,230 left over each month.
Find apartments under $2,100/month in San Francisco:
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Cost of Living Analysis in California
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. California's cost of living is higher than the national average by 51.7 points.
💡 High cost of living area. Ensure your pay compensates for the increased expenses.
Housing Cost: Very High
Utilities: High
Rent data based on 2025 market averages. Actual rent may vary by neighborhood and housing type.
Resources for Your Assignment
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Understanding Travel Nurse Stipends
Travel nurse stipends are tax-free payments that cover your housing, meals, and incidentals while on assignment. These stipends are typically tax-free if you maintain a tax home and meet IRS requirements for temporary work assignments.
The IRS allows stipends up to the GSA (General Services Administration) per diem rates for your assignment location. Stipends above GSA rates may be taxable.
Use our calculator above to:
- Calculate your total tax-free stipend amount
- Compare your stipends to GSA maximum rates
- Determine if your stipends are competitive
- Estimate your total compensation including stipends
GSA Rates Explained
GSA rates are the maximum tax-free per diem amounts set by the General Services Administration. These rates vary by location and are updated annually.
Lodging Rate: The maximum tax-free housing stipend (varies by city/state)
Meal Rate: The maximum tax-free meal stipend (typically $59-$79 per day)
Our calculator automatically uses the current GSA rates for your selected assignment location. If your stipends exceed GSA rates, the excess may be taxable income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a travel nurse stipend calculator?
A travel nurse stipend calculator helps you calculate your tax-free housing and meal stipends, compare them to GSA (General Services Administration) maximum rates, and determine if your stipends are reasonable. Stipends are typically tax-free if you maintain a tax home and meet IRS requirements for temporary work assignments.
How do I calculate my travel nurse housing stipend?
Your housing stipend should cover your actual housing costs while on assignment. Use our stipend calculator to enter your weekly housing stipend amount and compare it to the GSA maximum lodging rate for your assignment location. The calculator will show if your stipend is at, above, or below the GSA maximum.
Are travel nurse stipends tax-free?
Yes, travel nurse stipends for housing, meals, and incidentals are typically tax-free if you maintain a tax home and meet IRS requirements for temporary work assignments. The stipends must be reasonable and not exceed the GSA per diem rates for your assignment location. Our calculator helps you verify your stipends are within GSA limits.
What are GSA rates for travel nurse stipends?
GSA (General Services Administration) rates are the maximum tax-free per diem amounts the IRS allows for travel nurse stipends. These rates vary by location and are updated annually. Our stipend calculator uses current GSA rates to help you estimate your tax-free stipend amounts and ensure compliance.
How much should my travel nurse housing stipend be?
Travel nurse housing stipends typically range from $800-$1,500 per week, depending on the location's cost of living and GSA rates. High-cost areas like California and New York may have higher stipends. Use our calculator to see the GSA maximum for your assignment location and ensure your stipend is competitive.
What is the difference between housing stipend and meal stipend?
Housing stipends cover your lodging costs (rent, utilities, etc.) while meal stipends cover your food expenses. Both are typically tax-free if you maintain a tax home. Housing stipends are usually larger ($800-$1,500/week) while meal stipends are typically $200-$400/week. Our calculator helps you calculate both separately.