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Don’t Mess with Texas isn’t just a slogan—it’s a way of life. If you’re a travel nurse looking for a state that serves up big perks like no state income tax, a deep sense of pride, vibrant music festivals and mouth-watering Tex-Mex and BBQ, Texas has you covered. Its rich history and lively culture make it the perfect spot for your next travel nursing contract.
Vivian Health offers expert tips on finding travel nurse housing in Texas with insights on flexible leases and housing near top healthcare facilities. Whether you prefer the buzz of city life or the peace of the countryside, read on for strategies to help you find your ideal home away from home.
Key Considerations for Texas Travel Nurses: Job Demand, Cost of Living and Salary
Texas has a great economy, mainly attributed to the oil and gas industry. The Texas Department of State Health Services expects Texas’s registered nurse (RN) shortage to grow to 57,012 by 2032. The state’s population grew by 4.8 million from 2010 to 2022, reaching 30 million. This data helps us conclude that travel nursing jobs in Texas will remain plentiful for some time. On Sept 15, 2024, Vivian Health’s staffing agency partners had 5,148 travel nurse jobs, 70 per diem jobs and 51 local contracts in Texas posted on our jobs marketplace, with new jobs added hourly.
According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, Texas’ average cost of living was 8.3% less than the national average at the end of the 2nd quarter of 2024. Housing costs are nearly 20% lower than the national average, with Best Places listing the median house price at under $300,000.
Monthly rent is 11.7% lower than average, with a 2-bedroom rental costing around $1,280 a month. However, this rate will vary state-wide according to supply and demand and the popularity of different areas. Rent in major metropolitan areas like Dallas and Austin are higher, but nurse wages are generally higher there, as well.
The state’s lower cost of living aligns with Texas’ travel RN salaries, which were 20% below the national average on September 17, 2024, per Vivian Health’s salary data. While this put the statewide average pay at $1,754 per week, wages and living expenses can vary significantly depending on the region.
The table below shows the weekly average travel nurse salaries for several major Texas cities based on Vivian’s salary data from Sept 17, 2024. We used HUD fair market values for the cost of a one-bedroom apartment and cost of living data from Best Places to provide a more in-depth view of housing costs and how far travel salaries go in various areas of the state. Note that we marked the cost of living with (+) for above and (-) for below the Texas state average, not the national average, and arranged cities alphabetically, not ranked by most and least expensive.
| City | Travel Salary | Cost of Living | 1-Bedroom Apartment Cost |
| Amarillo | $2,120 | -26.4% | $879 |
| Austin | $1,640 | +37% | $1,635 |
| Dallas | $1,720 | +6.4% | $2,030 |
| Fort Worth | $1,560 | +1.9% | $2,250 |
| Frisco | $1,640 | +18.6% | No Data |
| Houston | $1,760 | +2.9% | $1,135 |
| Lubbock | $2,000 | -18.9% | $931 |
| Texas City | $2,080 | -4.2% | No Data |
| Wichita Falls | $1,920 | -23.7% | $843 |
Urban Vibrancy vs. Country Charm in Housing and Healthcare
Texas’ housing and healthcare landscape offers a distinct contrast that travel nurses should consider. The urban centers, such as Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston, are bustling with healthcare opportunities. Healthcare employment in Dallas includes major institutions such as UT Southwestern Medical Center, while Houston is home to Texas Medical Center, one of the largest medical complexes worldwide. Fort Worth combines its rich cowboy heritage with medical care at facilities like Cook Children’s Medical Center. These cities offer ample job prospects but have a higher cost of living. While convenient, nurses might find that central locations have pricier housing options, making turnkey apartments and suburban options worth considering for cost efficiency.
Texas Hill Country regions, known for scenic beauty, present a slightly different experience but still offer renowned facilities like Austin’s innovative medical facilities like Seton Medical Center. West Texas, which includes cities like El Paso, provides essential medical services in a more budget-friendly setting for travel nurses seeking housing. Understanding regional differences helps travel nurses balance professional opportunities with comfortable living.
RELATED: 6 Career Tips for Dallas Nurses
Benefit of Proximity to Healthcare Facilities
For travel nurses, proximity to healthcare facilities is crucial for convenience and efficiency during short-term assignments. Being close to your workplace minimizes commute times and helps manage the demanding schedules often associated with travel nursing. When searching for housing, consider leveraging online resources and consulting with staffing agencies to identify options near assignment locations.
Nurses should also consider transportation logistics, based on whether they’ve brought their own car or need to rely on public transit. Costs can quickly add up, so it’s wise to factor in additional expenses related to your daily commute. Proximity to your workplace might drive up rent, but convenience, reduced commute times and transportation fares can be worth the initial extra cost.
Understanding Travel Nursing Housing in Texas
Securing short-term housing in Texas can be challenging for travel nurses. With rental prices often higher for temporary stays, finding the right place to unwind and recharge between shifts is crucial for maintaining well-being and avoiding burnout.
The Lone Star State’s competitive rental market demands a strategic approach. Flexibility is key—whether you’re negotiating lease terms, finding furnished options or locating a spot close to healthcare facilities. Navigating this state’s housing market involves more than just price comparisons. Look for turnkey options that eliminate the need for additional furnishings and simplify your move.
Pet owners or those bringing family along may face limited choices, but with persistence and planning, finding a rental that meets your needs is possible. Though short-term leases come with a premium, the right approach can ensure a smooth transition and a comfortable stay, making your Texas assignment enjoyable and manageable.
Seasonal Variations and Short-Term Housing Challenges
The Texan housing market means contending with seasonal swings. Southern Texas attracts snowbirds seeking winter warmth, but they usually don’t prevent temporary healthcare workers from securing short-term rentals. However, hotspots like South Padre Island, Galveston and San Antonio come alive during spring break and summer vacations, making short-term rentals scarce and pricey. While vacation rentals aren’t the go-to for travel nurses, they can be a lifesaver when other options are slim.
To beat the seasonal rush, consider planning your assignments during the off-season. Just keep in mind that this could affect pay rates and job availability. Negotiating short-term leases in advance can help, and exploring less conventional housing options, like sublets or temporary apartment swaps, can offer an outlet during the peak tourist crunch. Staying flexible and proactive can make a big difference in finding the right place for your assignment.
Practical Tips for Securing Short-Term Housing Solutions
First, tap into travel nurse networks—connecting with other nurses who’ve worked in Texas can lead to valuable housing recommendations or even sublets. Next, explore nurse-specific housing platforms like Furnished Finder, which cater to short-term rentals near hospitals. Regarding leases, don’t hesitate to negotiate shorter terms or month-to-month arrangements with landlords, highlighting your stable income and the temporary nature of your stay.
Look for housing in safe, walkable neighborhoods, especially if you must rely on public transportation. Being close to grocery stores, parks and transit hubs can save you time and money. Make the most of your housing stipend by splitting rent with other nurses, choosing places with utilities included or opting for furnished rentals to avoid extra costs.
RELATED: How Travel Nurse Housing Stipends Work
Where to Find Travel Nurse Housing in Texas
Online platforms have streamlined the process of finding travel nurse housing in Texas or anywhere in the nation. Here’s a list of Vivian Health’s top 10 websites for finding travel nurse housing in 2024:
- Airbnb: Airbnb is ideal for short-term travel assignments. Airbnb Texas boasts an array of accommodations, from cozy cabins and cottages to swanky Texan bungalows. To choose the right accommodation for your needs, Airbnb has an easy-to-use platform that enables filters by housing type, dates, guest ratings and AI-powered photo tours.
- Extended Stay America: While hotels might seem costly for extended stays, Extended Stay America offers a practical solution with apartment-like suites, full kitchens, pet-friendly options and special rates for long-term stays for healthcare professionals. The site has options for extended stays in Texas, with availability in Austin and hotels in Houston.
- Furnished Finder: A top choice for travel nurses, Furnished Finder offers over 470 monthly rentals in Dallas, Texas, alone for November 2024. It’s ideal because it doesn’t charge booking fees or commissions. Furnished Finder ensures safety by conducting background checks on property owners and provides tools like a stipend calculator and app.
- Landing: This site offers affordable, pet-friendly, fully furnished rentals in cities throughout Texas, with options for 1-3 bedrooms designed to fit travel nurse stipends and ensure consistency by managing all properties directly to avoid hidden costs.
- ShortTermHousing.com: With housing options in Dallas, accommodation in Pasadena and homes to rent in Temple, travel nurses can find housing all over Texas. You must complete a form on its website or call a phone number for direct assistance in finding the right housing for your assignment and needs. Short-Term Housing specializes in 30-day stays for healthcare professionals, with expert assistance in finding housing near major medical centers.
- Travel Nurse Housing: As the sister site to Furnished Finder, Travel Nurse Housing offers thousands of fully furnished listings designed for travel nurses. Specifically in Texas, there are over 800 listings in Houston and over 80 in Amarillo. Perks include no booking fees, direct booking with property owners and a focus on homes near hospitals.
- VRBO: This site connects travelers with accommodation according to their preferences. Whether you need an entire house in Galveston or an apartment in San Antonio, VRBO helps travel nurses find ideal housing and offers flexible cancellation policies and a rewards program.
Insider tip for travel nurses: Most short-term rental platforms let you message hosts directly, so don’t hesitate to introduce yourself, explain your low impact and mention that you’ll have a relatively long stay. If you’re booking for 13+ weeks, many hosts may be willing to cut you a deal.
On my most recent travel contract, I booked a three-bedroom house on Airbnb for four months. The original price was $4,500 per month, but after chatting with the host—who was a retired doctor—I got it for $1,500 a month. While some hosts might say no or offer small discounts, you’d be surprised how often they’ll work with you for longer stays.
RELATED: Travel Nurse Housing: Tips and Tricks
Armed with all the tips above, hopefully, you have everything you need to make navigating travel nurse housing in Texas a breeze. As you search for accommodations, don’t forget to consider your personal needs and make sure your location is convenient for your assignment. Also, remember to explore available public transport options, especially if you’re flying in and won’t have a vehicle.
Ready to find your next opportunity? Check out healthcare jobs posted on Vivian Health’s jobs marketplace and discover travel nursing positions waiting for you deep in the heart of Texas.
