California Dreaming: Perfect Travel Nurse Housing in California

Travel nurses have unique housing needs that must be considered when searching for temporary housing. These needs include proximity to the assignment site, property amenities, pet policies, and local amenities. Comfort, style, and safety are essential for choosing travel nurse housing in California. Additionally, flexible leasing arrangements are necessary for nursing assignments that can begin and end quickly.

What to Consider When Searching for Travel Nurse Housing in CA

When choosing travel nurse housing in California, consider factors like:

Location: Living close to your assignment reduces commute time and stress.

Amenities: Access to amenities like gyms and laundry facilities enhance comfort.‍

Pet-Friendliness: If you travel with a furry friend, make sure to check policies in advance.

Flexible Lease Terms: Flexible leasing is key since travel nurse assignments can change quickly

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Once you’ve locked in your RN travel nurse job in California, you have a decision to make about housing. Will you find your own travel nurse housing or use the housing resources from your travel company? When it comes to housing, travel nurses have two options: agency-provided housing or housing stipends. It’s always important to speak with your recruiter to discuss available housing options, but here are some short-term options for travel nurse housing in California to consider.

Furnished housing is a go-to for traveling nurses, providing comfort and convenience during their assignments.
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1. Extended Stay Hotels

Since California is a popular tourist and corporate travel spot, there are options for extended-stay hotels that would be ideal for a nurse traveling alone who only needs a little space or storage.

Pros: Extended stay hotels typically have on-site amenities like pools, gyms, restaurants, housekeeping, and laundry.

Cons: Typically smaller, especially when it comes to kitchen space and appliances. If you’re not a big cook, this can work well for you, but if you are looking for an area to prepare your meals, there may be better options.

2. Room Rental

Finding someone willing to rent a room without a longer commitment than you need for a contract may be challenging. If you do not need a lot of space but would like access to a kitchen and possibly your laundry unit, renting a room in someone's apartment or home is the option for you. Depending on the apartment complex or house you rent, you may still get some of the amenities you would like in an extended-stay hotel.

3. Apartment or Condo Rental

Are you looking for your own space or traveling with another nurse? Then renting an apartment or condo would be a great option for your travel nurse housing in California! Renting an apartment or condo will give you more space for a roommate if you expect to have guests during your travel nurse contract. Additionally, you will not be responsible for any outdoor maintenance and could have an onsite gym or pool.

4. House or Townhouse Rental

Are you a nurse traveling with a family? Renting a home or a townhome would be your best bet for travel nurse housing in California. This will give you the extra space you need for your family and belongings. Make sure to discuss with the landlord if you will be responsible for maintaining the exterior of the home or lot during your stay. You wouldn't want a rental that needs its lawn mowed and does not have a lawn mower!  

5. Monthly Furnished Rentals

Monthly furnished rentals are a popular option for travel nurses. These rentals are convenient and hassle-free for travel nurses who need temporary housing.

Benefits of Monthly Furnished Rentals

Monthly furnished rentals offer several benefits for travel nurses, including:

• Convenience: Monthly furnished rentals are hassle-free, no need to move furniture or set up utilities. Everything is ready for you, so you can settle in quickly and focus on your assignment.
• Flexibility: These rentals are flexible with changing schedules and assignment lengths, making them a top choice for travel nurses. Whether your assignment is extended or cut short, monthly rentals offer the flexibility you need to navigate these changes.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Monthly furnished rentals are typically more cost-effective than booking hotels or other short-term housing options. Utilities and amenities are often included in the rental price, helping you manage your housing costs more efficiently.
• Amenities: Many monthly furnished rentals include laundry facilities, fitness centers, and swimming pools. These features provide a better living experience and added convenience.‍
• Comfort: Monthly furnished rentals provide a comfortable and secure living environment, making it easier to feel at home. You can enjoy a cozy and stress-free stay with all the necessary furnishings and amenities.

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How much you can expect to pay for travel nurse housing in California is dependent on what area in the state you decide to live in. On average, renting a studio apartment can range from $550-$2350 monthly, a one-bedroom rental can range from $600-2900 monthly, and if you want two or more bedrooms, expect to pay anywhere from $800-$4970 monthly.

Rental payments are handled directly with property owners, ensuring transparency and no additional fees, which makes the process straightforward and cost-effective.

Are you looking for something fully furnished or with specific amenities? Expect to have a higher monthly payment. Also, remember to consider parking and renter’s insurance costs in your California travel nurse housing budget.

Depending on your search area, finding short-term rentals that meet your needs and budget can take a little digging. Several factors will affect how much your rental will cost you each month.

• Housing Service: Your overall cost will depend on your housing service and whether discounts are available.
• Location: Your location will play a massive role in the cost of your rent. Are you looking for something near Los Angeles or San Francisco? You should expect to pay a higher price tag.
• Amenities: Are you looking for an onsite gym, pool, or rooftop deck? Again, add it to your budget.
• Time of Year: Is your contract during a high-traffic time of year? You may be lucky in California because that it’s a hot spot year round, so this may play a minor role in the cost of housing.
• Roommates: If you plan on traveling with other travel nurses or friends who can split the costs with you, that will help make your monthly rent more affordable.
• Contract Length: The length of your contract may also affect your monthly costs. Shorter stays typically cost more per month since there is no yearly commitment. Make sure to double-check with the rental property if there are any additional costs for not signing a yearlong lease.
  
  

Understanding costs associated with housing arrangements, such as security deposits and additional fees, is also important when planning your budget.

Now that you have a contract and have created a budget, you must decide if you want to utilize agency-placed housing or stipend-pay for housing. Each comes with its share of pros and cons.

Choosing agency-placed housing means that your travel nursing agency provides you with living accommodations. Overall, this is your most affordable option because agencies typically participate in long-term leases and move travelers into them for their contract, then have another traveling nurse lined up to fill the long-term lease. This option gives you little time before or after your contract to move your belongings and explore your new city. Another perk of agency provided housing is that you’re not responsible for extra costs and fees if your travel nursing contract is cut short. However, this option give you less flexibility to choose a housing option that fits your personal needs and preferences.

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If you prefer to choose your own space or know someone you can stay with for your travel nursing contract, a stipend-pay housing option is the best option for you. If you choose to take the stipend pay, you will be responsible for finding your rental property, booking the property, and paying all the costs related to the property. This option gives you as much time as possible before and after your travel nursing contract to explore your surroundings. However, if you are traveling alone, this option can be expensive since you are responsible for all costs, including initiating your utilities and breaking your lease early if your contract ends early.

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1. Apartments.com

Using apartments.com as your housing search provides you with apartment, townhome, and condominium options in your selected area. You will also be able to search for pet-friendly options and several other amenities like in-unit laundry, pools, parking, business centers, etc.  

2. Furnished Finder  

Furnished Finder is a website designed with the traveling professional in mind that allows you to search for short-term rentals of homes, condos, apartments, and rooms. Additionally, the rentals on this website typically come fully furnished, and amenities are included in the cost. You can search by location, start date, and monthly budget. You can also see when the rental will be available if you want to move sooner. Additionally, there are no booking fees for travelers.

3. Homestay  

If you want to rent a room for the duration of your travel nursing contract, Homestay is a great resource to help with the search. Homestay offers long-term and short-term options, and it gives a description of who you will be staying with and a description of the property. Additionally, it describes what areas of the property you will have access to and if any amenities come with the rental.

4. VRBO

VRBO is typically used for vacation rentals but can also be used as a short-term rental website. This site allows you to search based on the number of bedrooms you will need and any extra amenities you are looking for. You can also contact the host to see if they offer any specials or discounts for travel nurses.

California has plenty to offer, whether you love soaking in the great outdoors or living the city life. Wouldn't it be amazing to head to the Pacific Ocean or the Golden Gate Bridge on your day off or after work? Browse exclusive travel job openings from the #1 rated travel nurse agency. You can work with one of our dedicated Pro Recruiters and receive top-notch, white-glove service or express your interest in specific jobs directly on our job pages.  Start your next adventure today by searching for travel nursing jobs in California.

Explore specific opportunities for ER Travel Nurse Jobs in California, Labor and Delivery Travel Nurse Jobs in California, ICU Travel Nurse Jobs in California, Med Surg/Telemetry Travel Nurse Jobs in California, and PCU/Stepdown Travel Nurse Jobs in California today. With Advantis Medical, your next adventure in California is just a click away!

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1. What are the best options for travel nurse housing in California?

Travel nurses in California can choose from extended-stay hotels, monthly furnished rentals, room rentals, private apartments, or condos. Agency-provided housing and housing stipends are common, so you can choose based on your budget, assignment length, and personal preferences.

2. How do I find affordable short-term rentals for travel nurses in California?

Use Furnished Finder, Apartments.com, VRBO, and Homestay to find travel nurse housing in California. Consider cost-saving options like booking a monthly furnished rental, staying in agency-provided housing, or splitting rent with another travel nurse. Searching outside of LA or SF can also help lower costs.

3. What is the difference between agency-provided housing and a housing stipend for travel nurses?

With agency-provided housing, the travel nursing agency arranges and pays for your housing, which is convenient and at no extra cost. With a housing stipend, you find your housing, or Advantis Medical can help you find housing, and you get a set amount of money to cover expenses. Choosing a stipend gives you flexibility, but you must manage rent, utilities, and other costs yourself.

4. How do I find pet-friendly travel nurse housing in California?

Many monthly furnished rentals and short-term leases in California are pet-friendly. To find pet-friendly housing, search on Furnished Finder or Apartments.com and filter for pet-friendly options. Also, check individual lease agreements and talk to landlords to confirm pet policies before signing a rental.

5. How do I get short-term travel nurse housing in California fast?

To get travel nurse housing in California fast:

1. Check agency-provided housing first – This is the easiest available option.
2. Search on travel nurse-friendly platforms – Websites like Furnished Finder, VRBO, and Apartments.com list short-term, fully furnished rentals.
3. Act fast – California’s rental market moves quickly, so be ready to book when you find a good option.
4. Connect with other travel nurses – Join travel nurse Facebook groups or online forums to find housing leads and potential roommates.

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6. What should I consider when choosing travel nurse housing in California?

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When choosing travel nurse housing in California:

How close the location is to the assignment.‍

Budget and stipend.

Lease terms in case your contract changes.

Safety and neighborhood if traveling alone.

Pet-friendly if you have a pet.

Amenities (gym, laundry, parking)