Travel Nurse Pay in Mesa, Arizona: 2026 Cost of Living & GSA Rates
Economic analysis: GSA housing caps, average rent, and profitability verdict for travel nurses in Mesa.
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Economics Verdict
Profitable: Mesa Travel Nursing
GSA Housing Cap (Weekly)
$994/wk
≈ $4,304.02/mo
Avg Rent (1BR)
$1,300/mo
Margin
+$3,004.02/mo
Stipend covers rent
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.
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
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.
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Cost of Living Analysis in Arizona
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
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 Mesa
Average Hourly Rate
$50/hr
Average Weekly Pay
$2,000
GSA Lodging Rate
$142/night
GSA Meal Rate
$64/day
Cost of Living in Mesa
Cost of Living Index
103.1 (Above National Average)
Studio
$1100/mo
1 Bedroom
$1300/mo
2 Bedroom
$1800/mo
Top Hospitals in Mesa
- 🏥 Banner Desert Medical Center
- 🏥 Dignity Health
- 🏥 Mountain Vista Medical Center
In-Demand Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do travel nurses make in Mesa, Arizona?
Travel nurses in Mesa typically earn between $45 and $60 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $50/hr. When including tax-free stipends, the blended hourly rate ranges from $56-71 per hour.
What are the GSA rates for Mesa, Arizona?
The GSA per diem rates for Mesa 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 Mesa?
The cost of living index in Mesa is 103.1, which is above the national average. Average rent ranges from $1100 for a studio to $1800 for a two-bedroom apartment.
What hospitals hire travel nurses in Mesa?
Top hospitals in Mesa that frequently hire travel nurses include Banner Desert Medical Center, Dignity Health, Mountain Vista Medical Center, and others. These facilities offer competitive pay rates and excellent working conditions for travel nurses.
What specialties are in demand in Mesa?
The most in-demand specialties for travel nurses in Mesa include ICU, ER, Med-Surg. These specialties typically offer higher pay rates and more contract opportunities.
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