Travel Nurse Pay in Los Angeles, California: 2026 Cost of Living & GSA Rates
Economic analysis: GSA housing caps, average rent, and profitability verdict for travel nurses in Los Angeles.
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Economics Verdict
Profitable: Los Angeles Travel Nursing
GSA Housing Cap (Weekly)
$1,624/wk
≈ $7,031.92/mo
Avg Rent (1BR)
$2,200/mo
Margin
+$4,831.92/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 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.
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Travel Nurse Pay in Los Angeles
Average Hourly Rate
$58/hr
Average Weekly Pay
$2,300
GSA Lodging Rate
$232/night
GSA Meal Rate
$74/day
Cost of Living in Los Angeles
Cost of Living Index
173.3 (Above National Average)
Studio
$1800/mo
1 Bedroom
$2200/mo
2 Bedroom
$3000/mo
Top Hospitals in Los Angeles
- 🏥 Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- 🏥 UCLA Medical Center
- 🏥 USC Keck Hospital
In-Demand Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do travel nurses make in Los Angeles, California?
Travel nurses in Los Angeles typically earn between $53 and $68 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $58/hr. When including tax-free stipends, the blended hourly rate ranges from $67-82 per hour.
What are the GSA rates for Los Angeles, California?
The GSA per diem rates for Los Angeles are: Lodging: $232/night, Meals: $74/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 Los Angeles?
The cost of living index in Los Angeles is 173.3, which is above the national average. Average rent ranges from $1800 for a studio to $3000 for a two-bedroom apartment.
What hospitals hire travel nurses in Los Angeles?
Top hospitals in Los Angeles that frequently hire travel nurses include Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, UCLA Medical Center, USC Keck Hospital, and others. These facilities offer competitive pay rates and excellent working conditions for travel nurses.
What specialties are in demand in Los Angeles?
The most in-demand specialties for travel nurses in Los Angeles include ICU, ER, OR. These specialties typically offer higher pay rates and more contract opportunities.
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