Figuring out where to stay on a travel nursing assignment can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. With assignments often lasting 8 to 13 weeks, your temporary home needs to be comfortable, affordable, and close to work.
Luckily, travel nurses today have plenty of housing options to fit just about any lifestyle or budget. Knowing the pros and cons of each can make choosing your next home-away-from-home a whole lot easier.
5 Places To Stay on a Travel Nursing Assignment
From RV parks and furnished apartments to hotels and room shares, here’s a breakdown of the most common housing options for travel nurses and how they compare.
1. RV Parks
RV life is more than a trend. It’s a practical, flexible housing solution that’s become a go-to for travel nurses who want freedom and control over where and how they live. Bringing your own space from assignment to assignment gets rid of the hassle of moving, unpacking, or wondering what kind of mattress you’ll end up with.
RV parks often offer month-to-month rates and include utilities like water, electricity, and Wi-Fi. Some cater specifically to traveling professionals and have amenities like on-site laundry, private bathrooms, fitness rooms, dog parks, and quiet hours to support shift workers.
If you’re working in or around Austin, Meadow Lane RV Park is an ideal example. With clean, full-hookup sites, a peaceful setting, and proximity to major hospitals, it’s great for professionals looking for comfort without the high cost of urban housing.
2. Furnished Apartments
Where do travel nurses stay if they want the comforts of home without the hassle of moving furniture? Furnished apartments offer a home-like environment with more space than a hotel and are usually turnkey. Additionally, you’ll typically find utilities, internet, and furnishings included. There are several platforms that specialize in housing for travel nurses, and you’ll find everything from budget-friendly options to luxury apartments.
The downside? While travel nurses earn a good salary, furnished short-term rentals can be pricey. You’ll find that prices vary dramatically by region, and monthly rates in popular metro areas can climb well over $2,000.
You might also run into lease terms that don’t align perfectly with your contract length, and you may not be able to bring your pet. Still, for those who are looking for a stable, apartment-style setup with a full kitchen and living room, a furnished apartment can be a great fit.
3. Extended-Stay Hotels
Extended-stay hotels give you the convenience of hotel services with features like kitchenettes, weekly housekeeping, and all-inclusive utilities. Brands like Extended Stay America, Marriott’s Residence Inn, or Candlewood Suites often offer discounts or agency partnerships specifically for travel nurses.
This option can be especially useful for shorter contracts or last-minute assignments, as it offers flexibility without requiring a long-term lease. However, space is limited, and nightly rates can add up fast if you’re not getting a discounted weekly or monthly deal. Privacy may also be an issue if you’re staying for a full 13-week contract.
4. Room Shares and House Hacking
Some nurses opt to rent a room in a shared home, especially when contracts place them in higher-cost areas. Facebook groups, Craigslist, and professional forums are popular for finding room shares, but vetting is crucial. The upside is cost because rent is usually much lower than a private apartment or hotel. Also, you might get access to a full kitchen and laundry setup.
However, sharing a home with strangers isn’t for everyone. You’ll need to consider privacy, schedule conflicts (especially with night shifts), and lifestyle compatibility. For younger or more social travel nurses, this can be a great way to connect and save money. For others, it may feel like a step down from the independence of having your own space.
5. Agency-Provided Housing
Some travel nurse agencies offer company-arranged housing as part of the contract. Typically, the agency finds and pays for a furnished apartment or condo near your worksite. This can be helpful if you’re new to travel nursing or don’t want to worry about where to stay.
Going through agency-provided housing is convenient, but you’ll usually give up your housing stipend in exchange, which can mean leaving money on the table. Nurses who opt to find a place to stay on their own often come out ahead financially, especially if they choose to live in cheaper housing.
Why RV Parks Are Perfect for Travel Nurses
Choosing where to stay as a travel nurse can greatly affect your work-life balance, stress levels, and overall comfort. While hotels, apartments, or short-term rentals are common options, staying at an RV park might offer unmatched benefits tailored specifically to the demanding lifestyle of a travel nurse.
Commute Time
Nurses work long, high-stress shifts, so choosing a place that’s under 20 to 30 minutes from the hospital is ideal. RV parks like Meadow Lane are in strategic locations with easy access to major roads, so you get the convenience and the quiet.
Budget
Stipends from agencies are meant to cover housing and meals, but in high-cost cities, that money can vanish fast. RV life can reduce your cost of living substantially. Monthly site rentals often run from $400 to $800, compared to $1,500+ for short-term furnished housing in urban areas.
Daily Routine
Do you need a pet-friendly option? Somewhere you can park a second vehicle? A quiet space for post-shift decompression? RV parks are increasingly catering to full-time professionals, not just vacationers, so the amenities and culture often reflect that.
Ultimately, staying in an RV park provides the flexibility, affordability, and convenience that travel nurses need to thrive both professionally and personally.
Meadow Lane RV Park Is the Best Place To Stay as a Travel Nurse
If you’re a travel nurse worried about where to stay on assignment, RV parks are tough to beat. Meadow Lane RV Park in Central Texas is a go-to for nurses, combining quiet, budget-friendly living with perks that actually make your daily life easier. Think spacious RV sites, full hookups, fast Wi-Fi for streaming after your shift, laundry right on-site, and even a dog park to keep your furry friend happy. Plus, you’re just a quick drive from Austin’s hospitals, dining, and nightlife. Book your stay today and make your next assignment your smoothest one yet.