One of the biggest advantages of travel nurse jobs is the ability to earn tax-free stipends for housing and meals. But not all locations offer the same value. Understanding how stipends work—and how they align with cost of living—can significantly impact your take-home pay.
In this guide, we’ll explain how tax-free stipends work, how the GSA per diem rates influence travel nurse compensation, and which locations tend to offer the best (and worst) value for travel nurses.
How Tax-Free Stipends Work for Travel Nurse Jobs
Most travel nurse jobs include two main components of pay:
- Taxable hourly wages
- Tax-free stipends for housing, meals, and incidentals
These stipends are based on federal guidelines published by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), which sets per diem limits by city and ZIP code.
You can view current per diem rates directly on the GSA website:
https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates
While agencies are not required to pay the maximum GSA rate, many use it as a benchmark when structuring travel nurse stipends.
Why GSA Per Diem Matters for Travel Nurse Jobs
GSA per diem rates are designed to reflect local cost of living. For travel nurses, this means:
- Higher GSA rates often = higher possible stipends
- Lower housing costs can mean more stipend left in your pocket
- Two cities with the same stipend can result in very different take-home pay
The key is finding travel nurse jobs where stipends are high relative to local housing costs.
Best-Value Locations for Travel Nurse Jobs (High Stipends, Lower Cost of Living)
These locations tend to offer strong GSA per diem rates while maintaining a reasonable cost of living—making them attractive for travel nurses looking to maximize net income.
| Location | Why It’s a Good Value | Cost of Living Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas–Fort Worth, TX | Solid GSA rates with consistent demand for nurses | Moderate housing costs |
| Houston, TX | Large healthcare systems and competitive stipends | Below-average rent for metro size |
| Omaha, NE | Reasonable per diem with lower housing costs | Low cost of living |
| Birmingham, AL | Affordable rentals paired with steady stipends | Very low housing costs |
These markets are popular among experienced travelers because stipends often cover most—if not all—housing expenses.
Explore current travel nurse jobs with Anders Group in these regions.
High Stipend Areas With High Cost of Living
Some travel nurse jobs advertise very high stipends, but those dollars can disappear quickly due to expensive housing.
| Location | Stipend Potential | Housing Reality |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | Very high GSA per diem | Extremely high rent |
| Los Angeles, CA | High stipends and strong demand | High housing and transportation costs |
| New York City, NY | Top-tier stipends | Limited affordable short-term housing |
| Seattle, WA | Competitive pay packages | Rising rental prices |
These assignments can still be profitable—but only if you secure affordable housing or shared accommodations.
Travel Nurse Jobs With Strong Stipend Potential
The following Anders Group job listings are in markets where GSA per diem rates typically support higher stipend allowances:
- Travel Nurse Jobs in Texas
- Travel Nurse Jobs in California
- Travel Nurse Jobs in New York
- Browse All Travel Nurse Jobs
Note: Stipend amounts vary by assignment, specialty, and facility. Always confirm details with your recruiter.
Tips to Maximize Tax-Free Stipends
- Use GSA per diem rates as a comparison tool before accepting an offer
- Secure housing below your stipend to increase net pay
- Maintain a valid tax home to remain eligible for tax-free stipends
- Work with recruiters who understand stipend optimization
When chosen wisely, travel nurse jobs can offer exceptional earning potential—especially when stipends and cost of living are aligned.
Ready to explore your options? View current travel nurse jobs with Anders Group today.
