Travel Nurse Pay in Boston, Massachusetts: 2026 Cost of Living & GSA Rates
Economic analysis: GSA housing caps, average rent, and profitability verdict for travel nurses in Boston.
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Economics Verdict
Profitable: Boston Travel Nursing
GSA Housing Cap (Weekly)
$1,813/wk
≈ $7,850.29/mo
Avg Rent (1BR)
$2,400/mo
Margin
+$5,450.29/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 5% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$58.89
Based on 36 hours in MA.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,120
Taxable Weekly Income
$720
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$209
True Net Weekly Pay
$1,911
Looking for a contract? Get matched with top-paying recruiters.
Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$24,846
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$49,691
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$99,382
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$1,911
per week
Taxes
$209
per week
Total Gross: $2,120 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$1,000
≈ $4,330/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Massachusetts
$1,800
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$2,530
Your stipend covers rent with $2,530 left over each month.
Find apartments under $1,800/month in Boston:
Affiliate link
We may earn a commission if you book through our link.
Cost of Living Analysis in Massachusetts
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Massachusetts's cost of living is higher than the national average by 46.5 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
These are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Travel Nurse Pay in Boston
Average Hourly Rate
$60/hr
Average Weekly Pay
$2,400
GSA Lodging Rate
$259/night
GSA Meal Rate
$79/day
Cost of Living in Boston
Cost of Living Index
162.4 (Above National Average)
Studio
$2000/mo
1 Bedroom
$2400/mo
2 Bedroom
$3200/mo
Top Hospitals in Boston
- 🏥 Massachusetts General Hospital
- 🏥 Brigham and Women's Hospital
- 🏥 Beth Israel Deaconess
In-Demand Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do travel nurses make in Boston, Massachusetts?
Travel nurses in Boston typically earn between $55 and $70 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $60/hr. When including tax-free stipends, the blended hourly rate ranges from $69-84 per hour.
What are the GSA rates for Boston, Massachusetts?
The GSA per diem rates for Boston are: Lodging: $259/night, Meals: $79/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 Boston?
The cost of living index in Boston is 162.4, which is above the national average. Average rent ranges from $2000 for a studio to $3200 for a two-bedroom apartment.
What hospitals hire travel nurses in Boston?
Top hospitals in Boston that frequently hire travel nurses include Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess, and others. These facilities offer competitive pay rates and excellent working conditions for travel nurses.
What specialties are in demand in Boston?
The most in-demand specialties for travel nurses in Boston include ICU, ER, Cardiac. These specialties typically offer higher pay rates and more contract opportunities.
Looking for a contract?
Get matched with top-paying recruiters in your desired state.