Travel Nurse Pay in Meridian, Idaho: 2026 Cost of Living & GSA Rates
Economic analysis: GSA housing caps, average rent, and profitability verdict for travel nurses in Meridian.
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Economics Verdict
Profitable: Meridian Travel Nursing
GSA Housing Cap (Weekly)
$686/wk
≈ $2,970.38/mo
Avg Rent (1BR)
$1,000/mo
Margin
+$1,970.38/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 6% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$58.89
Based on 36 hours in ID.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,120
Taxable Weekly Income
$720
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$216
True Net Weekly Pay
$1,904
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$24,752
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$49,504
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$99,008
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$1,904
per week
Taxes
$216
per week
Total Gross: $2,120 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$1,000
≈ $4,330/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Idaho
$1,000
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$3,330
Your stipend covers rent with $3,330 left over each month.
Find apartments under $1,000/month in Boise:
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Cost of Living Analysis in Idaho
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Idaho's cost of living is lower than the national average by 5.8 points.
Housing Cost: Moderate
Utilities: Low
Rent data based on 2025 market averages. Actual rent may vary by neighborhood and housing type.
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Travel Nurse Pay in Meridian
Average Hourly Rate
$46/hr
Average Weekly Pay
$1,840
GSA Lodging Rate
$98/night
GSA Meal Rate
$59/day
Cost of Living in Meridian
Cost of Living Index
95 (Below National Average)
Studio
$800/mo
1 Bedroom
$1000/mo
2 Bedroom
$1300/mo
Top Hospitals in Meridian
- 🏥 Meridian Regional Medical
- 🏥 Meridian General Hospital
- 🏥 Community Health Meridian
In-Demand Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do travel nurses make in Meridian, Idaho?
Travel nurses in Meridian typically earn between $41 and $56 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $46/hr. When including tax-free stipends, the blended hourly rate ranges from $50-65 per hour.
What are the GSA rates for Meridian, Idaho?
The GSA per diem rates for Meridian are: Lodging: $98/night, Meals: $59/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 Meridian?
The cost of living index in Meridian is 95, which is below the national average. Average rent ranges from $800 for a studio to $1300 for a two-bedroom apartment.
What hospitals hire travel nurses in Meridian?
Top hospitals in Meridian that frequently hire travel nurses include Meridian Regional Medical, Meridian General Hospital, Community Health Meridian, and others. These facilities offer competitive pay rates and excellent working conditions for travel nurses.
What specialties are in demand in Meridian?
The most in-demand specialties for travel nurses in Meridian include Med-Surg, ER, ICU. These specialties typically offer higher pay rates and more contract opportunities.
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