Affordable Short-Term Housing for Travel Nurses

Traveling nurses and medical professionals wear so many hats: lifesavers, problem solvers, and occasionally—magicians juggling impossible schedules. 

But finding housing that matches their needs shouldn’t feel like another 12-hour shift. 

Compass makes it simple: with fully furnished, short-term rentals for medical professionals, we help you focus on your patients—not on where you’re laying your head at night.

Explore our furnished apartments for medical professionals and see why Compass is a favorite in Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York.

Why Medical Professionals Need Short-Term Rentals

Let’s face it—healthcare professionals don’t have the luxury of leisurely house hunting. 

One day, you’re in Boston for a three-month stint; the next, you’re rushing to a new assignment in Hartford. The chaos of constant relocation means lugging furniture or signing year-long leases isn’t practical.

That’s where furnished rentals come in. Imagine walking into a cozy, fully-equipped space where all you need is your suitcase. No assembling furniture. No shopping for pots and pans. Just instant comfort, leaving you free to settle in and start your work.

Key Features to Look for in Medical Housing

Not all short-term rentals are created equal. As a travel nurse or medical student, you need rental housing that checks every box. Here’s what to prioritize:

1. Proximity to Hospitals and Clinics

When your shifts start at dawn (or end at midnight), living near your workplace is a sanity saver. Compass apartments are strategically located close to major medical facilities, so you can spend more time resting and less time stuck in traffic.

2. Essential Amenities

Picture this: you’ve just finished a grueling shift, and the last thing you want is to trek to a laundromat. Look for housing with in-unit laundry, fully equipped kitchens for quick meal preps, and Wi-Fi fast enough to stream your favorite show or hop on a Zoom call with your parents. 

3. Flexible Leasing Terms

Short-term assignments come with unpredictable timelines, so a lease that adapts to your schedule, whether it’s a few weeks or several months, keeps things stress-free.

Why Compass?

At Compass, we understand the unique demands of medical residents, and our fully furnished rentals in MA, CT, and NY are designed with you in mind. 

Here’s what makes us stand out:

• Prime Locations: From downtown Boston to the heart of Hartford, our properties are close to top hospitals and clinics, ensuring your commute is as short as possible.
• Everything You Need: Modern furnishings? Check. High-speed internet? Of course. A kitchen to whip up your favorite comfort food? Absolutely.
• Flexibility: Whether your assignment is six weeks or six months, we offer adjustable leases that fit your timeline.
• Safety: With keyless entry, surveillance cameras, and restful, quiet spaces, we prioritize your peace of mind. Enjoy health-focused amenities like air purifiers and private balconies, and count on 24/7 support when you need it.

View our medical housing options today and make your next assignment a breeze.

Cost Considerations for Medical Housing

Let’s talk dollars and cents. Travel nursing usually comes with a housing stipend, but managing your budget well can make a big difference, especially in areas with a high cost of living.

Fully furnished rentals are typically a cost-effective solution compared to extended hotel stays or unfurnished apartments, which might require you to spend extra on furniture rentals, utility setup, and other necessities.

Start by understanding how your stipend works.

If it’s untaxed, you’ll have more take-home pay to work with, but you’ll likely need to arrange your own housing. Taxed stipends might feel smaller, but they’re often accompanied by employer-arranged accommodations.

Knowing how your stipend breaks down will help you determine how much you can spend without dipping into your salary.

When you’re searching for housing, prioritize the all-inclusive options.

This means fully furnished apartments that include utilities, Wi-Fi, and amenities like laundry or parking in the monthly rent, which can simplify your budget by bundling everything into one predictable payment.

Housing closer to your workplace might seem more expensive at first, but it can save you money on gas, parking fees, and the wear-and-tear on your car—expenses that add up quickly over the course of a contract.

Some housing providers also offer discounts for longer stays, so if your assignment is flexible or extends beyond 30 days, it’s worth asking about reduced rates.

To make the most of your stipend, consider saving any surplus for future expenses or emergencies.

Look for housing options that cover utilities and other essentials to avoid surprise bills, and if you’re open to sharing a rental, partnering with another travel nurse or medical professional can reduce costs significantly while offering more spacious accommodations.

Tips for Finding the Right Housing

Finding the perfect short-term rental doesn’t have to feel like finding a vein on a dehydrated patient (yes, we know that’s tricky). Here’s how to make the process easier:

1. Start Early: Housing options can fill up fast, especially near major hospitals, so begin your search as soon as you know your assignment details.
2. Stick with Trusted Providers: Compass Furnished Apartments offers properties designed specifically for medical professionals, so you won’t have to compromise on quality or convenience.
3. Ask About Flexibility: Life happens. Choose a provider that offers adjustable leases to match your assignment’s schedule.

FAQs

How much do traveling nurses get paid for housing?

Travel nurses typically receive a housing stipend as part of their contract, which can change depending on the location, cost of living, and the agency they’re working with. 

In high-cost areas like New York City or Boston, the stipend might be higher to account for the increased rental prices. Some nurses choose to arrange their own housing and pocket the difference if they find something affordable, while others use the stipend to cover corporate or furnished rentals.

Do travel nurses use Airbnb?

Yes, some travel nurses use Airbnb for short-term stays, especially for assignments lasting less than three months. However, Airbnb can come with drawbacks, like inconsistent amenities, higher fees, and less flexibility with lease extensions. 

Alternatives like Compass  are popular among nurses looking for more affordable or specialized housing, and for long-term stays, corporate housing options or direct rentals through landlords can offer better stability and features.

What is a disadvantage of being a travel nurse?

Travel nursing offers flexibility and high earning potential, but it also comes with its challenges. Constant relocations can be stressful, especially when you’re trying to find quality housing on short notice.

Nurses have to adapt quickly to new environments, hospitals, and protocols, which can be exhausting, and being away from family and friends for extended periods can take a toll on your mental health.

What do traveling nurses look for in housing?

Travel nurses usually look for housing that is safe, comfortable, and close to their worksite. Their key priorities are proximity to hospitals, security features like gated access or surveillance cameras, and practical amenities like in-unit laundry, Wi-Fi, and parking. 

Furnished accommodations are highly preferred for travel nurses as they eliminate the hassle of moving furniture and setting up utilities. Flexible lease terms are also appreciated since assignments often have variable durations. 

Some nurses also look for pet-friendly properties and housing that allows them to unwind, like apartments with outdoor spaces or quiet neighborhoods.

Find your next short-term rental in minutes and focus on what truly matters: your work and your well-being.

About The Author

Lauren

Lauren, a passionate marketing professional from Vancouver, Canada, has an insatiable love for travel. Whether it’s camping off the grid in a secluded forest or enjoying the bustling streets of Manhattan, New York, she embraces every adventure with enthusiasm.