How does a travel nurse housing stipend work?

Two ways agencies handle housing

Agency housing — the agency finds and pays for the place. Simple, but you take what you get.

Housing stipend — you get money and pick your own place. You can come out ahead with a cheaper room, or fall behind if the area is expensive.

What to check before you say yes

Is it a set amount per week, and does it change if your contract is longer or shorter?

Do you get it every week, or only on weeks you actually work?

Does it cover bills like power and internet, or rent only?

Do you still get it if the hospital ends your contract early?

Can you stay on for the same rate, or does the money drop after a set number of weeks?

Why the money can be taxed later

Agencies often call the stipend 'tax-free'. That is not automatic. It usually depends on whether you keep a home you go back to between contracts, and how the money is paid. Two nurses on the same offer can end up treated differently.

Ask your recruiter before you sign

• Is the stipend written into the contract, or is it just a promise?
• Is it paid weekly, and is it separate from my pay?
• What happens to it if the contract ends early?
• What do nurses actually pay for a room in that city right now?

Related guides

• Do travel nurses pay taxes on stipends? →
• What are guaranteed hours? →
• Red flags in a travel nurse contract →