How you spend your money depends on where you live. A dozen eggs in Denver might be more expensive than the same dozen eggs in Dover. For travel nurses, the cost of living changes is an important factor to consider when taking on new assignments in different parts of the country.
What is the “cost of living”?
It refers to the amount of money it takes to maintain a standard of living and cover basic needs, including food, housing, health care, and taxes in a particular location. Supply and demand of products, the minimum or average wage, and tax laws in different states affect these costs.
The cost of living will change further based on where you live within a particular state. A more crowded, popular city such as Los Angeles will likely cost more to live in than a rural town in northern California.
The amount of money you make will be directly tied to your cost of living. While a salary might be considered great in a place where it is low, it might not be enough to make ends meet in another location.
You can easily see how the cost of living affects travel nurses’ decisions regarding financially beneficial locations.
The relationship between the cost of living and your stipend
One of the main components of the cost of living in the rent in a given area. As a travel nurse, you will be given options for housing that can help alleviate the different costs of living you may encounter.
If you meet the stipend requirements, your pay package will include a tax-free housing stipend intended to cover housing costs while you are working. Your stipend will be based on the General Services Admission (GSA) per diem rates — the maximum travel expense reimbursement allowance for federal employees — for that area. Places with a higher cost of living generally have higher per diem rates.
Since the stipend rates are based on the GSA rates, which are based on location, your stipend will help cover the cost of living for that area. Alternatively, travel nurses can opt for provided housing from the agency, selected and paid for by the traveler.
Be prepared — It might take you by surprise.
The cost of living in your temporary location may shock you positively or negatively. The cost of groceries, restaurants, entertainment, gas, and even basic items such as toothpaste can vary greatly. To prepare yourself before a new assignment, use an online calculator that can provide the cost of living estimates between your current and new location. Knowing in advance how the cost of living affects travel nurses can help you make an informed decision. To return to our earlier example regarding eggs in Dover, Delaware, and Denver, Colorado. The average cost of a dozen eggs in Denver is 12 cents higher. But the cost of eggs isn’t as big of a difference as rent. The average rent in Denver is over $400 more expensive per month!
Shocking? You’re in for an even bigger surprise if you’re heading to the Big Apple from a smaller town. The average monthly rent in the Manhattan area costs $3,984.33, compared to just $696.33 in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. You can expect to pay at least $1 or $2 more for most grocery items in New York, as well.
Staying prepared is an essential part of being a travel nurse. Fortunately, with the right staffing agency behind you, you’ll be able to navigate the changes more easily.
Are you looking for your next travel nurse contract? Check out these jobs from Health Providers Choice.
Why not try a travel nurse contract in one of these travel nurse hidden gem locations across America? Summer is the best time to be a travel nurse. With a sense of adventure in the air, visiting new places is a top priority. You’ve heard all about opportunities in major big cities, but if you want a unique experience, check out these hidden gems across America.
Travel Nurse ‘Hidden Gem’ Locations
Gulf Shores, Alabama
If you’re looking for white sands and sea turtles, Gulf Shores has what you need. This beach community boasts the most beautiful, picturesque sights for your Alabama travel assignment. Opportunities to see bottlenose dolphins are closer than ever with wildlife kayak tours setting out daily or hop on board a boat tour to get the full sun and surf experience.
On land, there are hundreds of restaurant options that let you keep your toes in the sand. From specialty seafood to gluten-free options, beachside cafes will keep you satisfied. For the adventurous palate, try some oysters fresh from the Gulf of Mexico.
For the most unconventional beach fun, take a class at Sand Castle University, where you can learn to make extraordinary sand sculptures. If you’re starting a new assignment and want to bond with your co-workers, this can be your first group trip you’re sure to remember.
Taos, New Mexico
For travel nurses who don’t leave home without their animal companion, Taos, New Mexico, is regarded as one of the most pet-friendly cities in America. This city has a comprehensive guide of trails, restaurants, and hotels where dogs are welcomed as guests.
Whether you walk on two feet or four, Taos has a stunning variety of outdoor experiences for you to discover. You can float down the Rio Chama ending the day at the Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa. This would be a great spot to visit if you’re traveling with your spouse. If you’re looking for more excitement, on your next day off, check out a white-water rafting trip down the Taos Box in the Rio Grande Gorge.
If the spirit of travel nursing inspires you, check out the native American nomadic culture of the southwest. Nomads bring a sense of community wherever they roam, much like travel nurses provide their patients in any new setting. For a more modern take on culture, head down to the Taos Plaza. Here you’ll find coffee shops, boutiques, and a farmer’s market complete with flowers, pastries, organic produce, herbs, and music. This is a perfect spot to recharge and find a souvenir from your assignment.
Oklahoma City, OK
Oklahoma City is full of hidden gems. If you want to bring out your wild west travel nurse side, check out the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Nurses traveling with younger kids will love the rodeo artifacts and Children’s Cowboy Corral. For more family fun, visit the OKC Zoo and go “behind the scenes” to get up close and personal with the wildlife (as if nursing wasn’t wild enough!).
If you’re traveling with your spouse, Oklahoma City has a whole host of couple’s night-out activities. If you are on the day shift, spend your evening in The Paseo, OKC’s arts district, full of dozens of galleries for you to explore. On the first Saturday of the month, you can check out the free gallery walk events featuring art receptions, discounts at restaurants and shops, and a fun street scene.
Manteca is the crossroads of California, located just over an hour east of San Francisco and Sacramento. Discover endless attractions, events, and entertainment – from golf courses to street fairs. Travel nurses with a creative side can enjoy a walking tour of beautiful city murals. If you’re missing your hometown team while on assignment, play like the pros at Big League Dreams.
Climb aboard historic railroads. Take a day trip that winds through the scenic valley and coast, through vineyards, mountains, lakes, and rivers. If you want to explore more out of town, drive to San Francisco. See the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in person. Snap a quick photo to post in the Gypsy Nurse Facebook group, and you’ll be the envy of all our travel friends with the click of a button.
No matter where your summer travels take you, there is always something unique to see/do. Additionally, if you’re looking for someone to explore with, join our Gypsy Nurse Network and schedule a group event!
Where are you heading this summer? Do you have tips for a specific location? We’re always seeking content contributors. Just get in touch!
Happy Nurses Week 2025! We’re so grateful for all that nurses do—every single day. This week is all about you, and we’re excited to celebrate with a giveaway! Need more details? Visit our Facebook page.
