Airbnb for Traveling Nurses

Travel nurses keep hospitals running. When staffing shortages hit, when flu season peaks, when trauma centers need extra hands, these professionals step in. But here's what most people don't realize: finding housing is one of the biggest challenges for traveling nurses.

Most assignments last 8 to 13 weeks. That's too short for a traditional lease and too long for a hotel. Travel nurses need furnished, flexible housing near hospitals, and they need it fast. This creates a massive opportunity for Airbnb rentals and short-term rental (STR) investors.

In this guide, we'll show you exactly how to position your rental for traveling nurses. You'll learn what these professionals need, how to price competitively, and how to stand out in a crowded market. Whether you're new to hosting or looking to optimize your strategy, this is your roadmap to success in the travel nurse housing niche.

Why Travel Nurse Housing Is a Smart Airbnb Investment

Who Are Traveling Nurses and What Do They Need?

Traveling nurses are licensed RNs who take temporary assignments across the country. They're filling critical gaps in healthcare staffing, often working in:

Specialty areas with high demand:

• Emergency departments and trauma centers

• ICU and critical care units

• Labor and delivery

• Operating rooms

• Rural hospitals with persistent shortages

The industry grew dramatically during COVID-19, reaching over six times its 2019 market size by 2022, according to Staffing Industry Analysts. While those crisis-level rates have normalized, the sector remains strong. As of 2025, roughly 1.7 million traveling nurses work across the U.S., creating consistent demand for mid-term housing.

How Housing Stipends Shape the Travel Nurse Rental Market

Here's what drives the economics: most travel nurses receive a housing stipend from their agency or employer. This stipend varies widely based on location:

Source: Trusted Nurse Staffing, Geaux Care Staffing

Nurses can either accept agency-provided housing or take the stipend as cash and find their own place. Many choose the stipend route because if they find cheaper housing, they pocket the difference (often tax-free). This creates strong incentive to shop for value.

What this means for you: Your pricing needs to fit within typical stipend ranges for your area. Nurses will compare your rental against extended-stay hotels, corporate apartments, and other furnished options. Price it right, and you'll have steady occupancy. Price it too high, and they'll move on.

Why STR Investors Are Choosing Travel Nurse Rentals

Targeting travel nurses isn't just about filling gaps between vacation bookings. It's a strategic play with distinct advantages:

Longer stays, less turnover

Each nurse typically books 8 to 12 weeks. You'll have far fewer changeovers than weekly vacation rentals, which means less cleaning, fewer keyhandoffs, and more predictable cash flow.

Professional, low-maintenance tenants

Travel nurses work long shifts. They're tired after 12-hour days. They're not throwing parties or hosting friends for the weekend. Most hosts report that nurses are among their cleanest, most respectful guests. They pay on time (stipends are often guaranteed by agencies), communicate professionally, and leave properties in excellent condition.

Premium over long-term rates

Because your rental is furnished and flexible, you can charge 20% to 40% more than an unfurnished annual lease would command, according to property management data. A one-bedroom that might rent for $1,200 annually could fetch $1,600+ as a furnished nurse rental.

Year-round demand near healthcare hubs

Hospitals always need staff. Unlike vacation markets with seasonal swings, medical centers maintain consistent demand. If you're within 15 minutes of a major hospital, you'll have a steady pipeline of potential tenants throughout the year. Use Chalet's free market analytics to identify areas with strong year-round occupancy near medical facilities.

What to Know Before You Start Renting to Travel Nurses

Before you pivot your entire strategy, understand the trade-offs.

Travel nurse hosting isn't passive income, and it's not for everyone.

Why You'll Have More Work Than Traditional Long-Term Rentals

You'll still have 4 to 6 turnovers per year, compared to one turnover with a traditional lease. Each transition requires:

• Full cleaning and sanitizing

• Linen washing and restocking supplies

• Property inspection and minor repairs

• New tenant screening and key exchange

If you're used to a completely hands-off rental, this will feel like more work. But if you already run Airbnbs, the workload is actually lighter than weekly vacation rentals.

How Much It Costs to Furnish a Travel Nurse Rental

Your place must be fully furnished and move-in ready. That includes:

→ Quality furniture (bed, sofa, dining set, desk)

→ Kitchen equipment (cookware, dishes, utensils, small appliances)

→ Linens and towels

→ Basic supplies (cleaning products, trash bags, toilet paper)

Setting up a basic one-bedroom can easily cost $2,000 to $3,000 upfront. The good news? These are one-time investments that amortize over many bookings. Calculate your expected return using Chalet's STR ROI calculator to ensure the numbers work.

What Changed in the Travel Nurse Market After COVID

The pandemic created abnormal demand and pricing. Those days are over. Travel nurse pay and stipends have normalized. Many nurses went back to permanent positions as crisis contracts ended. The nurses still traveling are budget-conscious and price-sensitive.

One experienced travel nurse put it bluntly in an industry forum:

"If there's a cheaper unit in town, or an Extended Stay hotel for less, travelers will choose that. Cheaper wins when it comes to most travelers."

You're also competing with more hosts than ever. Near major hospitals, you might find dozens of listings targeting travel nurses. Standing out requires excellent photos, competitive pricing, and genuine hospitality.

How Local Regulations Affect Travel Nurse Rentals

Stays over 30 days often fall under different rules than short-term rentals. In many jurisdictions:

• You may avoid STR permit requirements for 30+ day bookings

• But the guest could establish tenancy rights after 30 days

• You'll need to understand both STR regulations and landlord-tenant law

Always use a written lease or rental agreement for longer stays, and verify tenant identity and employment upfront. Check your local rules with resources like Chalet's rental regulations library to ensure you're operating legally.

How to Set Up Your Airbnb for Traveling Nurses

Success in this niche comes down to understanding exactly what travel nurses need, then delivering it flawlessly. Let's break down the essentials.

What Every Travel Nurse Looks for in a Rental

Quality sleep setup (non-negotiable)

Nurses work grueling shifts. Many work nights. Your bedroom setup can make or break their experience:

• Queen or king bed with excellent mattress (not a worn-out hand-me-down)

• Blackout curtains for daytime sleep (this is huge for night shift workers)

• White noise machine or quality fan

• Dresser or closet with plenty of hangers

• Bedside lamps with easy controls

Fully equipped kitchen

Most travel nurses cook to save money and eat healthier. Your kitchen should enable someone to prepare real meals from day one:

• Full-size refrigerator and stove

• Microwave, toaster, and coffee maker

• Pots, pans, baking sheets

• Complete dish and utensil sets

• Knives, cutting board, mixing bowls

• Can opener, spatula, cooking utensils

• Dish soap, sponges, and towels

In-unit laundry (or on-site access)

Travel nurses can't be running to laundromats at midnight between shifts. If you don't have in-unit washer and dryer, make sure there's convenient on-site laundry. Include an iron and ironing board for scrubs.

Reliable, fast Wi-Fi

Non-negotiable. Nurses need internet for:

• Online charting and continuing education

• Video calls with family

• Streaming during downtime

Test your speeds and make sure it's genuinely fast, not just "good enough." Include the network name and password in your welcome materials.

Dedicated workspace

Many nurses do charting from home or take online CE courses. Provide:

• Desk or table workspace with good lighting

• Comfortable chair

• Power outlets nearby

Safety and security features

Travel nurses, especially those new to your city, care deeply about feeling safe:

• Secure locks (deadbolts on exterior doors)

• Functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

• Fire extinguisher

• Well-lit exterior areas

• Keyless entry or lockbox for 24/7 access (nurses work odd hours)

Small Touches That Win Travel Nurse Bookings

These aren't required, but they'll help you stand out:

Welcome basket

Leave snacks, bottled water, coffee, and tea. Include a note thanking them for their service. Small gesture, big impact.

Local guide

Create a simple document (or leave a binder) with:

• Closest grocery stores and pharmacies

• Good takeout options that deliver late

• Gym or parks nearby

• Emergency contacts and Wi-Fi troubleshooting

• Your contact info for maintenance issues

Streaming TV

Netflix, Hulu, or cable. Nurses need to decompress.

Pet-friendly policy (if possible)

Many travel nurses bring a dog or cat for companionship. If you can accommodate pets (with a small additional fee), you'll significantly expand your market. Just use easy-to-clean flooring and include a lint roller.

Pro tip: The most mentioned amenities in travel nurse reviews are blackout curtains, comfortable mattresses, and fully stocked kitchens. Get these right before worrying about luxury touches.

How to Write Your Airbnb Listing for Travel Nurses

Your Airbnb listing (or Furnished Finder profile) needs to speak directly to this audience.

Title and description

Make it obvious you've designed this for healthcare professionals:

Good: "Quiet 1BR Near Memorial Hospital – Perfect for Travel Nurses"

Even better: "Fully Furnished 1BR – 5 Min to City Medical Center | Travel Nurse Ready"

In the first paragraph, highlight:

• Distance to major hospitals

• Fast Wi-Fi and workspace

• In-unit laundry

• Pet-friendly (if applicable)

Professional photos

Show what matters:

• Bedroom with blackout curtains visible

• Clean, well-stocked kitchen

• Workspace setup

• Bathroom with fresh linens

• Any extra amenities (parking, patio, etc.)

Staging matters. A well-photographed unit gets 2-3x more inquiries than an identical unit with phone snapshots.

Set realistic availability

Be flexible on check-in and check-out dates. Assignments start at odd times. If a nurse needs to move in mid-month or extend by a few days, accommodating them can be the difference between a booking and an empty unit.

House rules (keep them reasonable)

Yes, set clear expectations. No smoking, quiet hours after 10pm, guest policies. But don't create a 20-point rulebook that makes people feel like they're walking on eggshells. Remember: they're living there for months. The vibe should be "welcome home" not "don't touch anything."

How to Price Your Airbnb for Travel Nurse Bookings

Pricing is where most hosts struggle. Too high and you sit empty. Too low and you leave money on the table.

3 Steps to Research Your Travel Nurse Rental Market

Start with data:

① Check local unfurnished rents

What would a one-bedroom apartment rent for on a 12-month lease in your area? That's your baseline. You should be charging more because you're providing furniture, utilities, and flexibility.

Example baseline rents (2024 data from Vivian Health):

② Survey competing furnished rentals

Look at:

• Other Airbnbs with 30+ night minimums near your hospitals

• Furnished Finder listings in your area

• Extended-stay hotel rates (many offer weekly or monthly discounts)

This tells you what nurses are actually comparing you against.

③ Understand local stipend ranges

Ask yourself: What are agencies paying nurses for housing in this market? If Oklahoma stipends are around $1,500/month and you're charging $2,200, you're pricing yourself out. Nurses won't pay $700 out of pocket when alternatives exist.

At Chalet, we provide free market analytics that show typical rental rates and occupancy trends for your area. Use our Airbnb analytics dashboard to benchmark your pricing against actual market data.

How to Calculate All-Inclusive Pricing for Travel Nurses

Your monthly rate typically covers:

• Furniture use

• Utilities (electric, water, gas)

• Wi-Fi

• Parking

• Initial supplies (toilet paper, paper towels, etc.)

Make this clear in your listing. Nurses want to know their total cost upfront, with no surprise utility bills.

Some hosts include mid-stay cleaning for longer bookings (e.g., one cleaning included for stays over 60 days). This can be a differentiator.

Why Longer-Stay Discounts Work for Travel Nurse Rentals

On Airbnb, set a weekly or monthly discount. Example:

• Base nightly rate: $100

• 7-day discount: 10% off

• 30-day discount: 20% off

This encourages nurses to commit to full contracts instead of booking week by week.

How to Adjust Your Pricing Based on Demand

The market changes. If you're not getting inquiries after two weeks, your price may be too high. If you're fully booked months out and turning people away, you might be underpriced.

Think like a nurse: "Would I pay this to live here for three months if I were on a $1,800 stipend?" If the answer is no, adjust.

Tools to help:

Use Chalet's free STR ROI Calculator to run scenarios. Input your costs (mortgage, utilities, cleaning, furniture amortization) and target occupancy to find your break-even point and desired profit margin.

How to Screen and Manage Travel Nurse Tenants

Once you're live and priced right, inquiries will come. How you handle them separates successful hosts from everyone else.

Why Fast Response Times Win Travel Nurse Bookings

Travel nurses often have tight timelines to secure housing before assignments start. They're contacting multiple listings. Respond within a few hours if possible.

A quick, helpful message builds trust:

"Hi Sarah! Yes, the unit is available for those dates. It's about 7 minutes from Regional Medical Center with free parking. All utilities and Wi-Fi are included. Let me know if you have questions about the space or area!"

What to Ask Travel Nurses Before Booking

It's okay to verify they're legitimate. Most nurses are happy to share:

• Which hospital they'll be working at

• Assignment start and end dates

• Whether they have pets

• Any specific needs or concerns

This also helps you prepare. If they mention working nights, you might note that your bedroom has blackout curtains.

Why You Need a Written Agreement for Travel Nurses

For bookings on Airbnb, the platform's terms cover the basics. But for longer stays (especially if you go off-platform), use a simple short-term rental lease. Include:

• Monthly rent amount

• Security deposit (if any)

• Length of stay

• House rules

• Cancellation and extension policies

• What happens if they need to leave early (some contracts get canceled by hospitals)

This protects both parties and sets clear expectations.

How to Screen Travel Nurses Booking Outside Airbnb

If you're booking outside of Airbnb (e.g., through Furnished Finder), do basic tenant screening:

• Request a copy of their travel contract or employment letter

• Check photo ID

• Run a background check (if applicable in your state)

• Ask for a previous landlord or professional reference

Travel nurses are used to this. It's professional, not intrusive.

What Security Deposit Makes Sense for Travel Nurses

On Airbnb, you're covered by their damage protection. For direct bookings, many hosts ask for a $500 to $1,000 refundable security deposit. Document the property's condition at move-in with photos, and return the deposit promptly at move-out if everything is in good shape.

How to Create 5-Star Experiences for Travel Nurses

You've set up the perfect space and priced it well. Now it's about the experience.

How to Welcome Travel Nurses Like Pros

First impressions matter:

• Make sure the place is spotless (hire professional cleaners)

• Leave a welcome note thanking them for their service

• Stock the fridge with basics: water, coffee, tea, maybe some snacks

• Ensure the Wi-Fi info is visible and easy to connect

Provide a local guide:

Create a simple doc or binder:

• Nearest 24-hour pharmacy and grocery store

• Good restaurants that deliver late (nurses work odd hours)

• Closest gas station and parking tips

• Emergency contacts and your number for maintenance

• Thermostat and appliance instructions

How to Stay Responsive Without Being Intrusive

Check in a few days after move-in: "Hey! Just wanted to make sure everything is working well. Let me know if you need anything."

Then give them space. Most nurses appreciate periodic check-ins (maybe once a month) but don't want you hovering.

If something breaks, fix it fast. A dripping faucet or spotty Wi-Fi that would be annoying for a 3-day tourist becomes unbearable over 3 months.

Why Night Shift Schedules Matter for Travel Nurse Hosts

Many nurses work 12-hour night shifts. They might be sleeping from 8am to 4pm. If you need to do yard work or show the unit to the next tenant, coordinate times that won't disrupt them.

If they work nights, consider mentioning: "Feel free to use the blackout curtains anytime, and let me know if there's anything I can do to help with your schedule."

How to Get Better Reviews and Referrals from Travel Nurses

Before they leave, ask: "How was your stay? Anything I could improve for future guests?"

Travel nurses can provide valuable insights. Maybe they wished for a rice cooker, better desk lighting, or a small shelf in the bathroom. Use this feedback to continuously improve.

How to Turn One Travel Nurse Booking Into Many

Contracts sometimes get extended. If a nurse asks to stay longer, that's ideal for you (no turnover, no vacancy). Be flexible on pricing if they're extending.

When they leave, thank them and mention: "If you or any colleagues come back to the area, I'd love to have you again!"

Many travel nurses refer friends and coworkers. Building a reputation in nursing circles can create a steady referral pipeline.

Case study: One host near a major Texas medical center built her entire business on travel nurse referrals. After her first nurse guest left a glowing review, that nurse recommended the rental in a travel nursing Facebook group. Within 6 months, she had a waiting list of nurses for every assignment cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb Rentals for Traveling Nurses

How much should I charge for a travel nurse rental?

Target a rate that fits within local housing stipends while covering your costs. Research typical stipends in your area (often $1,200 to $3,000/month depending on location) and price competitively against extended-stay hotels and other furnished options. Aim for 20-40% above unfurnished long-term rental rates to account for furniture, utilities, and flexibility. Use Chalet's market analytics to see what similar properties are charging in your area.

Do travel nurses need month-to-month leases?

Yes, flexibility is key. Most assignments last 8-13 weeks, so nurses need rentals that accommodate contract-length stays without requiring year-long commitments. Set your minimum stay to 30 nights on Airbnb, or offer month-to-month lease terms with the option to extend.

What happens if a travel nurse cancels their contract early?

Contracts can occasionally get canceled by hospitals, though it's relatively rare. Your rental agreement should outline cancellation policies. Most hosts require 30 days notice or allow cancellation with one month's rent penalty. Be reasonable. Travel nurses usually can't control hospital cancellations, and showing flexibility builds goodwill for referrals.

Should I allow pets for travel nurses?

If possible, yes. Many travel nurses bring a dog or cat for companionship during assignments. Pet-friendly rentals significantly expand your market. Charge a reasonable pet fee ($200-400) and use easy-to-clean flooring. Make your pet policy clear in the listing and photos.

Are travel nurse rentals considered short-term or long-term?

It depends on your local regulations. Stays over 30 days often fall under different rules than traditional short-term rentals. In many areas, 30+ day stays avoid STR permit requirements but may establish tenancy rights. Use Chalet's rental regulations library to understand rules in your specific market.

How do I find travel nurses for my rental?

List on platforms where nurses search: Airbnb (set 30+ night minimum), Furnished Finder (specifically for medical travelers), and Travel Nurse Housing. Join travel nursing Facebook groups for your area to build relationships. Get referrals by providing excellent service. Nurses frequently recommend good housing to colleagues.

What's the best location for a travel nurse rental?

Within 15 minutes of major hospitals, trauma centers, or medical campuses. Proximity is the #1 factor for most travel nurses. Highlight exact drive times in your listing: "5 minutes to City Medical Center" or "Walking distance to Regional Hospital." Areas near multiple hospitals offer year-round demand. Check Chalet's market analytics for areas near large hospitals to identify the best opportunities.

Do I need a special license to rent to travel nurses?

It depends on your location and rental duration. Stays under 30 days typically require short-term rental permits in most cities. Stays 30+ days may fall under traditional landlord-tenant law instead. Check both STR regulations and rental licensing requirements for your city. Always use a written rental agreement for stays over a few weeks.

What's the average occupancy rate for travel nurse rentals?

Well-positioned rentals near hospitals often achieve 75-90% occupancy year-round. Healthcare staffing needs are constant, unlike seasonal vacation rentals. Markets with multiple hospitals or teaching facilities see the most consistent demand. Use Chalet's market analytics to benchmark occupancy trends in your specific area.

How much does it cost to furnish a rental for travel nurses?

Expect to invest $2,000 to $3,000 for a basic one-bedroom setup. This includes a quality mattress and bed frame, sofa, dining table and chairs, desk, kitchenware, linens, towels, and basic supplies. You can amortize this investment across multiple bookings. The average host recoups furnishing costs within 6-8 months of bookings.

How Chalet Supports Travel Nurse Rental Investors

At Chalet, we've built the one-stop platform for short-term rental investors, including those targeting the travel nurse market. Here's how we support your success:

Free Market Analytics

Understanding your local market is critical for pricing and occupancy strategy. Since travel nurses book mid-term stays (8-13 weeks), our specialized mid-term rental analytics and standard Airbnb analytics dashboard provide:

• Occupancy trends for your city or neighborhood

• Average daily rates and monthly revenue estimates

• Seasonal demand patterns near hospitals and medical centers

• Historical data to benchmark your performance

Use these tools to identify high-demand markets, optimize pricing, and project realistic returns before you even purchase a property.

Property ROI Calculator

Wondering if that condo near the hospital will pencil out as a travel nurse rental? Our mid-term rental calculator is built specifically for 30-90 day stays like travel nurse contracts. You can also use our standard STR ROI Calculator to model:

• Expected monthly revenue based on market rates

• Operating expenses (mortgage, utilities, cleaning, turnover costs)

• Cash-on-cash returns and cap rates

• Break-even occupancy analysis

Run different scenarios to find your ideal property and pricing strategy. It's free and takes minutes.

Vetted Vendor Network

Setting up and operating a travel nurse rental requires the right team. We connect you with vetted, STR-experienced professionals:

Real estate agents

Find Airbnb-friendly agents who understand STR markets and can help you identify properties near hospitals with strong rental demand. Ready to connect with a vetted agent now? Get matched with an STR-specialist agent in your target market.

DSCR and conventional lenders

Need financing? Our lender network specializes in investment property loans with flexible terms for STR investors. Connect with a DSCR lender to discuss your investment property financing options.

Furnishing and setup services

From furniture packages to full property setup, we connect you with vendors who understand what travel nurses need.

Property management

Don't want to handle day-to-day operations? We can introduce you to local STR property managers experienced with mid-term rentals.

Insurance, cleaning, and maintenance

Access our STR directory for vetted insurance providers, cleaning services, maintenance pros, and more.

Regulation Library

Know before you buy. Our rental regulations database covers:

• STR permit requirements by city

• Minimum stay rules and exemptions

• Zoning restrictions near hospitals

• Tax obligations for mid-term rentals

Make informed decisions with transparent, up-to-date regulatory information.

Airbnbs for Sale

Looking to buy your first property or add to your portfolio? Browse Airbnb rentals for sale in high-demand travel nurse markets. Filter by proximity to hospitals, current performance, and investment metrics.

Your next step: Ready to launch or optimize your travel nurse rental? Start with our free analytics and calculator to validate your market and numbers. Then connect with an STR-specialist agent to find the perfect property. We're here to help you go from research to reality.

Your Opportunity in Travel Nurse Housing (2026)

The travel nurse housing market has matured. The pandemic chaos is over, but the fundamentals remain strong:

• 1.7 million traveling nurses need housing nationwide

• Hospitals continue to rely on temporary staff for gaps and seasonal demand

• Mid-term furnished rentals offer better returns than traditional long-term leases

• Quality inventory remains scarce near many hospitals

This creates a sustained opportunity for investors who execute well.

Success in this niche isn't about chasing pandemic-level rates or cutting corners. It's about understanding exactly what travel nurses need, delivering it consistently, and building a reputation as a reliable host. Nurses talk to each other. One great experience can lead to years of referral business.

The hosts who win in 2026 and beyond will:

• Invest in quality furnishings and amenities (especially sleep and kitchen setups)

• Price competitively based on local stipend realities

• Provide genuine hospitality and responsive service

• Use data and market intelligence to optimize locations and pricing

This isn't passive income. But it's rewarding both financially and personally. You're providing essential housing for healthcare heroes while building a sustainable rental business.

Ready to get started?

① Assess your property or find one near a major medical center using Chalet's property search

② Run the numbers with our free ROI calculator to validate your investment

③ Check local regulations in our rental regulations library

④ Set up your property with essentials we've outlined in this guide

⑤ List on Airbnb (30+ night minimum) and Furnished Finder

⑥ Build your reputation one excellent guest experience at a time

The opportunity is here. The demand is real. Now it's your move.

We'll see you on the platform.