Travel Nurse Pay in Atlanta, Georgia: 2026 Cost of Living & GSA Rates
Economic analysis: GSA housing caps, average rent, and profitability verdict for travel nurses in Atlanta.
Last updated: April 5, 2026
Economics Verdict
Profitable: Atlanta Travel Nursing
GSA Housing Cap (Weekly)
$1,281/wk
≈ $5,546.73/mo
Avg Rent (1BR)
$1,400/mo
Margin
+$4,146.73/mo
Stipend covers rent
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.
Same state assignment. You'll pay 5.75% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$58.89
Based on 36 hours in GA.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,120
Taxable Weekly Income
$720
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$214
True Net Weekly Pay
$1,906
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$24,775
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$49,551
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$99,102
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$1,906
per week
Taxes
$214
per week
Total Gross: $2,120 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$1,000
≈ $4,330/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Georgia
$1,100
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$3,230
Your stipend covers rent with $3,230 left over each month.
Find apartments under $1,100/month in Atlanta:
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Cost of Living Analysis in Georgia
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Georgia's cost of living is lower than the national average by 10.5 points.
💡 Lower cost of living area. Your pay may go further here than in expensive cities.
Housing Cost: Low
Utilities: Low
Rent data based on 2025 market averages. Actual rent may vary by neighborhood and housing type.
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Is this pay package fair?
Based on $2,080/week in Georgia
Staff vs. Travel Nurse in Atlanta, Georgia
Side-by-side budget comparison for 2026. Which employment mode wins?
Staff Nurse
Weekly Gross
$1,332
Weekly Take-Home
$959
Annual Net (52 weeks)
$49,870
Travel Nurse
WINNERWeekly Gross (incl. stipends)
$3,601
Weekly Take-Home
$3,152
Annual Net (~48 weeks)
$151,283
Travel nursing wins by $101,412/year
That's $2,193/week difference in take-home pay
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Travel Nurse Pay in Atlanta
Average Hourly Rate
$52/hr
Average Weekly Pay
$2,080
GSA Lodging Rate
$183/night
GSA Meal Rate
$64/day
Cost of Living in Atlanta
Cost of Living Index
108.1 (Above National Average)
Studio
$1200/mo
1 Bedroom
$1400/mo
2 Bedroom
$1900/mo
Top Hospitals in Atlanta
- 🏥 Emory University Hospital
- 🏥 Piedmont Hospital
- 🏥 Northside Hospital
Specialty Pay in Atlanta
Click any specialty for detailed pay, certifications, and hospital listings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do travel nurses make in Atlanta, Georgia?
Travel nurses in Atlanta typically earn between $47 and $62 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $52/hr. When including tax-free stipends, the blended hourly rate ranges from $59-74 per hour.
What are the GSA rates for Atlanta, Georgia?
The GSA per diem rates for Atlanta 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 Atlanta?
The cost of living index in Atlanta is 108.1, which is above the national average. Average rent ranges from $1200 for a studio to $1900 for a two-bedroom apartment.
What hospitals hire travel nurses in Atlanta?
Top hospitals in Atlanta that frequently hire travel nurses include Emory University Hospital, Piedmont Hospital, Northside Hospital, and others. These facilities offer competitive pay rates and excellent working conditions for travel nurses.
What specialties are in demand in Atlanta?
The most in-demand specialties for travel nurses in Atlanta include ICU, ER, Cardiac. These specialties typically offer higher pay rates and more contract opportunities.
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