Best States for Travel Nurses in 2025: Where Pay, Cost of Living, and Lifestyle Align
Finding the Perfect Place for Your Next Travel Assignment
For travel nurses, every new assignment brings a chance to explore a different part of the country while building valuable clinical experience. But deciding where to go next involves more than choosing a city with open contracts. Factors like pay, housing costs, state taxes, and lifestyle all play a big role in determining how rewarding your next assignment will be. The best states for travel nurses in 2025 offer a balance between strong earning potential, affordable living, and a quality of life that fits your personal goals.
Travel nurse pay varies dramatically from state to state, and even between regions within the same state. According to ZipRecruiter's July 2025 data, the average travel nurse earns $101,132 annually ($2,029 per week), but this masks enormous regional differences. A critical care nurse in California might see rates topping the list at $86.54 per hour ($3,462 weekly), while the same specialty in Alabama averages around $52-55 per hour. But here's where it gets interesting: that Alabama nurse paying $1,100-1,300 for a two-bedroom apartment versus $2,518 for a two-bedroom in California suddenly has very different math to work with. When you factor in California's 13.3% top state income tax rate and higher costs for everything from gas to groceries, those headline numbers tell a different story than your bank account will.
Beyond finances, lifestyle matters just as much. Some nurses thrive in the intensity of a Level I trauma center in downtown Houston, while others find their groove in a 200-bed community hospital thirty minutes from a North Carolina beach. States that offer access to outdoor recreation, coastal relaxation, or vibrant cultural hubs can make an assignment feel more like an adventure than a job. Taking an assignment in Bozeman, Montana for access to Big Sky skiing might matter more than an extra $400 per week in Seattle for nurses who prioritize outdoor recreation.
As a travel nurse, your next destination can shape both your career and your lifestyle. This guide explores the top states that stand out for travel nurse pay, cost of living, and overall quality of life. Whether you're looking to maximize your income, save for future goals, or simply enjoy new experiences, the following states represent the best opportunities for travel nurses in 2025.
At 13 Weeks Staffing, we specialize in connecting nurses with opportunities that match both their professional goals and lifestyle preferences, offering flexible assignments from per diem shifts to permanent placements across the country.
What Makes a State "Best" for Travel Nurses
The best states for travel nurses aren't just the ones offering the highest weekly rates. True value comes from how far your earnings go once you factor in housing, transportation, and the overall cost of living. Consider this real scenario: a travel nurse making $3,200 per week in Los Angeles might spend $2,635 on average rent in California for a one-bedroom apartment, $200 on gas at California prices, and lose around 9-10% to state taxes. Meanwhile, someone earning $2,600 in Austin, Texas pays around $1,400-1,500 for a one-bedroom, $120 on gas, and zero state income tax. The Texas nurse actually pockets more each month despite the lower rate sheet.
Pay and bonuses are often the first things travel nurses look at, and for good reason. States with high patient demand or staffing shortages typically offer premium rates and completion bonuses. During the 2024 flu season, some hospitals in New York and New Jersey added $2,000 completion bonuses on top of already elevated rates to address critical staffing gaps. Certain specialties command even higher premiums—an experienced CVICU nurse in Massachusetts might see crisis rates approaching $4,000 per week during winter months when cardiac emergencies spike. However, pay is only one piece of the puzzle. A high paycheck doesn't always translate into higher savings or better quality of life.
Cost of living is the next major factor, and it's where many nurses discover the real opportunity. Take Oklahoma City, where the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment hovers around $950 compared to $2,400 in Boston. Groceries in Oklahoma run about 15% below the national average, while Massachusetts sits 20% above it. For a travel nurse on a 13-week assignment, these differences compound quickly. After expenses, a nurse in Oklahoma earning $2,300 per week could end up banking significantly more than someone making $3,100 in Boston.
Lifestyle and quality of life should also guide your decision. Some states offer year-round sunshine and beaches, while others are known for outdoor adventure, strong healthcare communities, or cultural attractions. Work-life balance can have a major impact on job satisfaction, especially for those who spend long hours in demanding hospital environments. Portland, Oregon hospitals have notably different workplace cultures—more emphasis on mental health resources, mandatory breaks that are actually enforced, and a general expectation that nurses won't regularly work through lunch. That kind of environment might not show up on a pay stub, but it shows up in how you feel at the end of your contract.
Finally, licensure and logistics can influence how convenient it is to start working in a new state. As of 2025, 41 states participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows registered nurses to practice across multiple states with a single multistate license. If you hold a compact license from Tennessee, you can accept an assignment in Texas, Arizona, or Georgia without applying for a new license. Non-compact states like California, New York, and Massachusetts require separate applications, fingerprinting, and fees that can run $300-400 per state—plus the waiting period that can stretch 6-8 weeks. Choosing compact states can save valuable time and reduce paperwork between assignments.
When all these factors align—competitive pay, reasonable living costs, a comfortable lifestyle, and easy licensing—a state becomes an ideal destination for travel nurses seeking both professional success and personal fulfillment.
Top-Paying States for Travel Nurses in 2025
In 2025, travel nurses continue to see strong demand across the country, but a handful of states stand out for offering the highest pay rates. These states often have a combination of large hospital networks, high patient volumes, and ongoing staffing shortages that drive up compensation. While higher pay is appealing, it's also important to remember that these same states can come with higher living costs. Understanding both sides helps nurses decide whether the income boost truly outweighs the expenses.
California consistently ranks among the top-paying states for travel nurses. According to Nursingprocess.org's 2025 analysis, California leads with an hourly rate of $86.54, translating to weekly rates of $3,462 and annual earnings around $180,000. The state's mandated nurse-to-patient ratios—typically 1:2 in ICU settings versus 1:3 or 1:4 in many other states—create persistent staffing needs that drive up wages. Major medical centers like Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles or Stanford Health Care frequently seek travel nurses for specialized units. However, California's housing market tells a sobering story: the state averages $2,635 for rent, with San Francisco exceeding $3,000 for a one-bedroom. Factor in California's progressive income tax that reaches 13.3% for higher earners, and suddenly that impressive weekly rate requires closer examination.
Washington and Oregon are also top choices for nurses seeking high pay along with strong workplace standards. Washington travel nurses can expect competitive rates, with Nursingprocess.org reporting Washington offers an hourly rate of $65.99 ($2,639 weekly), especially in Seattle and Tacoma where hospital systems like Swedish Medical Center and MultiCare face ongoing staffing challenges. Washington also has no state income tax, which means significantly more take-home pay compared to Oregon's 8-9% rate for similar earners. Oregon offers rates around $63-68 per hour, but the state's OHSU (Oregon Health & Science University) and Legacy Health systems provide excellent clinical experience in a city known for its food scene and proximity to both Mount Hood and the Pacific coast.
New York remains one of the highest-paying states on the East Coast, especially for critical care and specialty roles. According to ZipRecruiter data, New York ranks third nationally for travel nurse pay. Hospitals in New York City—Mount Sinai, NYU Langone, and the NewYork-Presbyterian system—often offer strong pay packages reflecting the high demand for skilled professionals. The catch? Manhattan studio apartments average $3,600 monthly, and the city's combined state and city income tax can hit 13% for higher earners. Nurses who prefer to work in Upstate New York cities like Rochester or Buffalo may find considerably lower living expenses (rent around $1,200-1,500) while still earning competitive wages.
Massachusetts and Alaska round out the list of top-paying states. Massachusetts hosts world-renowned institutions like Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital that actively recruit experienced travel nurses and often pay premium rates for specialized assignments in neurology, oncology, and cardiac care. Alaska offers some of the highest pay in the country at $67.05 per hour ($2,682 weekly) due to its remote locations and staffing challenges, but nurses should plan for significantly higher costs: groceries run 30-50% above mainland prices, and heating bills during brutal winters can hit $400-500 monthly. Alaska also has no state income tax, which helps offset some of these costs.
While these states lead in raw pay, the true value of a travel nursing assignment depends on how well compensation aligns with personal goals, cost of living, and lifestyle preferences. A high paycheck can be attractive, but balancing earnings with overall expenses ensures that your next contract delivers both professional and financial satisfaction.
States with the Best Cost of Living for Travel Nurses
High pay is only part of the equation when choosing a travel nursing destination. The real measure of value comes from how far your earnings stretch once you account for housing, groceries, taxes, and daily expenses. Some states may not offer the absolute highest weekly rates, but their lower cost of living allows nurses to save more money and enjoy a higher quality of life. For many travel nurses, these states represent the sweet spot between financial stability and comfortable living.
Texas is one of the top choices for nurses seeking affordable living paired with strong pay. With no state income tax and lower-than-average housing costs in many regions, nurses can keep more of what they earn. Travel nurses working at Baylor Scott & White in Dallas or Houston Methodist typically earn competitive rates, and with Texas's average two-bedroom rent at $1,503, the math works differently than in high-cost states. San Antonio offers even better value, with housing generally more affordable than Dallas or Houston. The absence of state income tax means a Texas nurse's take-home pay stretches considerably further than someone making similar wages in a state with 9% tax. 13 Weeks Staffing regularly places nurses in Texas facilities, offering both short-term and permanent opportunities throughout the state.
North Carolina offers another appealing balance between cost and quality of life. The state's moderate housing prices, reasonable flat tax rate of 4.75%, and growing healthcare market make it an increasingly popular destination for travel nurses. Raleigh's WakeMed Health system and Charlotte's Atrium Health regularly seek travel nurses. Meanwhile, housing costs remain moderate compared to Northeastern states. The Triangle area (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill) has seen significant growth specifically because the cost-to-quality-of-life ratio remains one of the best on the East Coast. Coastal regions like Wilmington offer ocean access, while mountain towns near Asheville provide scenic escapes.
Oklahoma and Alabama rank among the most affordable states for travel nurses. According to WorldPopulationReview data, Oklahoma has some of the lowest average rent prices—Tulsa apartments average around $950 for a one-bedroom, while Alabama averages $1,315. While hourly rates may not rival those of California or New York, the lower cost of living means nurses can still save a significant portion of their earnings. A nurse in Oklahoma City spending $900 on rent and $250 on groceries and utilities can save considerably more than someone making higher wages in San Francisco with $3,000 rent and $400 for food. Nurses who enjoy slower-paced living and smaller communities—plus college football culture in both states—often find these states especially rewarding.
Florida deserves mention for its combination of moderate living costs and attractive lifestyle perks. Though not the cheapest state, Florida offers strong travel nurse demand year-round at facilities like Tampa General Hospital and AdventHealth Orlando, no state income tax, and diverse settings ranging from bustling cities to coastal resorts. According to IPropertyManagement's 2025 data, Florida's average two-bedroom rent is $1,895, which sits between budget-friendly Oklahoma and expensive California. For nurses who prefer sunshine and warm weather—and the ability to hit the beach on a Wednesday evening after a shift—the overall value is hard to beat. Just avoid peak tourist areas like Miami Beach where costs approach California levels. 13 Weeks Staffing partners with healthcare facilities throughout Florida, offering flexible per diem and travel assignments that let you enjoy the Sunshine State lifestyle.
Choosing a state with a lower cost of living can make a major difference in financial well-being. Many travel nurses use these assignments strategically—knocking out student loans, building down payment funds, or banking money for extended international travel between contracts. By prioritizing affordability alongside professional opportunity, nurses can maximize both income and quality of life during their 13-week contracts.
Best Lifestyle States for Travel Nurses
While pay and cost of living are important, lifestyle can often be the deciding factor in choosing a travel nursing destination. The best assignments offer more than just strong compensation; they provide a living experience that matches your personality, interests, and pace of life. Whether you want adventure in the mountains, relaxation by the coast, or excitement in a major city, certain states stand out for their quality of life and work-life balance.
Colorado is a favorite among travel nurses who love the outdoors. With breathtaking mountain views, world-class hiking and skiing, and a strong culture of wellness, Colorado offers endless opportunities for exploration on days off. Denver Health and UCHealth in Colorado Springs actively recruit travel nurses. What sets Colorado apart is the lifestyle integration—finishing a shift at 7 PM still allows time to catch sunset at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, or spending a three-day stretch exploring Rocky Mountain National Park. The state's 300 days of annual sunshine and altitude culture (where everyone seems to own hiking boots and a bike) create an environment where staying active feels natural rather than forced. Housing runs around $1,869 statewide for one-bedrooms in metro areas, which isn't cheap but feels worthwhile when your commute includes mountain views.
Florida appeals to nurses who enjoy warm weather and coastal living. The beach lifestyle, variety of hospital systems, and year-round sunshine make it one of the most popular destinations for travel nurses. From Jackson Memorial in Miami to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa to Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida provides strong healthcare infrastructure along with a relaxed atmosphere. What makes Florida unique for travel nurses is the sheer variety within the state—assignments in Miami's intense urban hospital scene contrast sharply with beach town contracts in Naples or Pensacola where the pace drops considerably. With no state income tax and average rent of $1,984 statewide, nurses can afford to actually enjoy the state rather than just work there.
Washington and Oregon offer a compelling mix of urban amenities and natural scenery. Nurses can work in high-performing hospitals in cities like Seattle (Swedish Medical Center, Harborview) or Portland (OHSU, Legacy Emanuel), then spend weekends exploring Olympic National Park's rainforests, Crater Lake, or the Columbia River Gorge. Both states are known for progressive healthcare systems and supportive workplaces—Washington implemented pioneering safe staffing laws, and Oregon has strong union presence that even extends some protections to travel nurses. The coffee culture is real (Seattle averages one coffee shop per 2,400 residents), the food scene punches well above its weight, and the outdoor recreation infrastructure—maintained trails, park systems, gear shops—makes accessing nature genuinely easy rather than just theoretically possible.
California also ranks high for lifestyle despite its higher living costs. From beaches to mountain ranges to vineyards, the state provides unmatched diversity in scenery and experiences. Nurses working at UCLA Medical Center can surf in Malibu before a shift, then drive two hours to Joshua Tree National Park on days off. Northern California offers Tahoe skiing, Napa wine country, and San Francisco's cultural scene. The consistent demand for skilled nurses means plenty of opportunities across specialties—and nurses can deliberately rotate between California's different regions to experience everything from San Diego's beaches to Sacramento's farm-to-fork scene to Redding's access to Lassen Volcanic National Park. The travel nursing community in California is particularly robust, making it easier to find housing leads and connect with other nurses navigating the same challenges.
North Carolina is another standout for nurses who want a balanced, affordable lifestyle. The state's mild climate (four real seasons without brutal extremes), friendly communities, and access to both mountains and beaches create an appealing living experience. With expanding healthcare networks like Cone Health in Greensboro and Duke Health in Durham, North Carolina combines career advancement with Southern charm—slower conversations, genuine hospitality, and a food scene built on BBQ traditions and emerging farm-to-table restaurants. Charlotte offers big-city amenities with notably less traffic than comparable metros, while Asheville draws the outdoorsy crowd with its craft brewery scene (more breweries per capita than any city but Portland) and proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Ultimately, the best lifestyle state depends on what matters most to you, whether it's outdoor adventure, cultural diversity, or peaceful surroundings. Travel nursing provides the freedom to explore different regions, find what feels like home, and enjoy each assignment as both a professional step and a life experience. 13 Weeks Staffing understands that lifestyle fit is just as important as compensation, which is why we work closely with each nurse to find assignments that align with both professional goals and personal preferences.
Our Top Picks For The Best Overall States for Travel Nurses (Balanced Rankings)
When you combine pay, cost of living, and lifestyle, a few states stand out as the best overall destinations for travel nurses. These states provide high earning potential along with comfortable living conditions and rewarding work environments. Whether your goal is to save money, gain experience, or explore new places, these locations offer the best overall balance for your next travel nursing assignment.
1. California
California remains one of the best overall states for travel nurses because it consistently offers some of the highest pay rates in the nation. According to 2025 data, California leads with $86.54 per hour ($3,462 weekly), with annual earnings around $180,000. Beyond the pay, California delivers an exceptional lifestyle with beaches, mountains, and major cities all within reach. The state's top-ranked hospitals—Stanford, UCSF, Cedars-Sinai, Scripps—provide valuable clinical experience that genuinely strengthens your resume for future positions. The variety of settings means nurses can choose assignments that match their goals: a Level I trauma center in downtown LA offers completely different experience than a community hospital in Santa Barbara or a rural facility in Redding near Shasta Lake. While the cost of living is higher ($2,635 average rent) and the state has a 13.3% top income tax rate, the strong pay and endless recreation options make it a favorite among nurses who want both professional growth and memorable experiences.
2. Texas
Texas is another strong all-around choice, offering competitive pay paired with one of the most affordable costs of living in the country. With no state income tax and a growing healthcare system, Texas allows travel nurses to keep more of their earnings while still enjoying modern amenities. Cities like Dallas (Baylor Scott & White), Houston (Texas Medical Center complex), and Austin (Ascension Seton) have major medical centers with year-round demand. Texas's average two-bedroom rent is $1,503, significantly below California and Northeastern states. Smaller communities like Corpus Christi, Lubbock, or Tyler offer opportunities to save even more with housing costs 30-40% below the major metros. The combination of warm weather, diverse culture (especially the thriving Hispanic food scenes and BBQ traditions), and financial advantages makes Texas ideal for nurses who want balance between work and lifestyle.
3. Washington
Washington offers high pay, strong healthcare networks, and a lifestyle that appeals to outdoor enthusiasts. Seattle (UW Medical Center, Swedish), Tacoma (MultiCare), and Spokane (Providence Sacred Heart) are known for excellent hospitals and consistent travel nurse opportunities, with hourly rates around $65.99 ($2,639 weekly). Nurses can enjoy access to national parks like Olympic and North Cascades, hiking trails throughout the Cascade Range, and coastal scenery along Puget Sound on their days off. Although housing costs are higher in Seattle proper, suburban areas like Everett or Tacoma offer more affordable options while maintaining access to the same hospital systems. The combination of good wages, natural beauty, no state income tax, and supportive healthcare systems makes Washington one of the most balanced destinations.
4. North Carolina
North Carolina provides moderate pay with a low cost of living, which allows nurses to save more while enjoying a comfortable lifestyle. The state offers a mix of large hospital systems in cities like Raleigh (WakeMed, Duke Raleigh) and Charlotte (Atrium Health, Novant), along with community-based healthcare in smaller towns that cost considerably less to live in. With a flat 4.75% income tax rate and moderate housing costs, North Carolina provides excellent financial value. Mild weather (actual spring and fall, summers that are hot but manageable, winters that see occasional snow but nothing extreme), a friendly atmosphere, and access to both Outer Banks beaches and Smoky Mountain hiking make North Carolina ideal for nurses who prefer a slower pace without giving up quality healthcare opportunities.
5. Colorado
Colorado rounds out the list with its unique blend of adventure, quality healthcare, and overall livability. Pay rates remain competitive, particularly in cities like Denver (Denver Health, UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital) and Colorado Springs (UCHealth Memorial), and the active, health-conscious culture makes it easy to maintain a positive work-life balance. With beautiful scenery and a variety of outdoor activities year-round—skiing and snowboarding in winter, hiking and mountain biking in summer, camping and rock climbing in between—Colorado is perfect for nurses who value both career development and personal well-being. The state's craft brewery scene (more than 400 breweries as of 2024) and farm-to-table restaurant culture provide excellent options for unwinding after demanding shifts. Housing costs around $1,869 for one-bedrooms in Denver metro, but many nurses find the lifestyle payoff worth the investment, especially given the 300 days of annual sunshine.
These states represent the best overall destinations for travel nurses who want to make the most of each assignment. They combine strong pay structures with affordable or worthwhile living conditions and an appealing lifestyle. Choosing one of these locations allows nurses to enjoy financial success, professional growth, and meaningful life experiences all in one place.
Tips for Choosing the Right State for You
While rankings and lists can help identify popular states for travel nurses, it's important to remember that the "best" state is different for every nurse. What works perfectly for one person may not be ideal for another. Factors like personal goals, lifestyle preferences, family needs, and career aspirations all play a role in determining which state will be the most rewarding for your next assignment.
When evaluating potential assignments, consider your financial priorities. Some nurses prioritize high pay and potential savings, while others may focus on affordable living costs or low taxes. A state with lower pay but minimal living expenses could allow you to save more money than a high-paying, high-cost location. Run the actual numbers: calculate your weekly take-home after taxes (using resources like the Tax Foundation's state tax data), subtract realistic housing costs (check sites like RentCafe or Apartments.com for actual listings in the area), estimate transportation based on whether you'll need a car or can use transit, and factor in groceries based on regional cost-of-living indices. This kind of concrete analysis can reveal surprising results about where your money goes furthest.
Lifestyle preferences should also guide your decision. If you enjoy outdoor adventure, mountains, or beaches, states like Colorado, Florida, or California may be more appealing. If city life, cultural events, or professional networking are your priorities, consider major metropolitan areas with strong healthcare systems and vibrant scenes beyond the hospital walls. Even within a state, assignments can vary wildly—Los Angeles and rural Eureka are both California, but they offer completely different daily experiences. Some nurses deliberately alternate between high-intensity urban assignments and slower-paced rural contracts to prevent burnout. Others find their rhythm in mid-sized cities that offer professional opportunities without the chaos of major metros.
Licensing and logistics are additional considerations. States that participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allow travel nurses to work in multiple states with a single license. As of 2025, this includes 41 states, but notably excludes California, New York, Massachusetts, Oregon, and a few others. If you plan to move frequently between assignments, choosing compact states can save substantial time and money—California's license application alone costs $350 and can take 6-8 weeks, while a compact license lets you start working in Texas, Florida, or Colorado essentially immediately. This flexibility becomes especially valuable if you're trying to maximize your working weeks per year rather than losing income to gaps between contracts.
Think about your longer-term goals too. Are you trying to pay off $80,000 in student loans as aggressively as possible? Then prioritize low-cost-of-living states even if the pay is moderate. Are you building clinical skills for a future permanent position? Then target states with top-tier hospital systems and specialized units, even if you save less money during that contract. Are you trying to figure out where you might want to settle long-term? Travel nursing offers the perfect opportunity to actually live in different regions before committing to a mortgage or permanent job—treating each assignment as an extended test-drive of a potential future home.
Ultimately, any state can be the best state for a travel nurse depending on individual circumstances. The key is to balance pay, cost of living, lifestyle, and professional growth with your own goals and preferences. By carefully considering what matters most to you, you can find the ideal assignment that offers both career satisfaction and personal fulfillment.
Your Perfect Travel Nursing Destination Awaits
Choosing the best state for a travel nursing assignment is a highly personal decision. While some states are known for high pay, low living costs, or appealing lifestyles, the right choice depends on your unique goals and priorities. A state that's perfect for one nurse may not fit another, which is why it's important to weigh all factors before accepting a contract.
Travel nursing offers the flexibility to explore different regions of the country, gain diverse clinical experience, and achieve financial goals. By considering pay, cost of living, lifestyle, and personal preferences, you can select assignments that provide both professional growth and a fulfilling personal experience. Every nurse's definition of the "best state" will be different, but the opportunity to find a destination that aligns with your needs is what makes travel nursing so rewarding.
With the right planning and guidance, your next assignment can be both a career step and an adventure. Whether you're drawn to the high pay and diverse clinical experience of California, the affordability and no-income-tax advantages of Texas, the outdoor recreation and wellness culture of Colorado, or the balanced opportunities in North Carolina or Washington, there's a perfect travel nursing destination for you.
Start Your Next Adventure with 13 Weeks Staffing
You've just explored the best states for travel nurses in 2025—now it's time to turn that knowledge into action. Whether you're chasing higher pay in California, seeking affordability in Texas, or craving mountain adventures in Colorado, your perfect assignment is waiting.
At 13 Weeks Staffing, we don't just fill positions—we build careers. Our team understands that choosing your next assignment means weighing pay against cost of living, balancing professional growth with lifestyle fit, and finding facilities that value your expertise. We've helped countless nurses navigate these decisions and land in places where they thrive both professionally and personally.
Your goals are unique. Maybe you're aggressively paying down student loans and need maximum savings potential. Maybe you're building specialized skills for a future CRNA program. Maybe you just want to spend your days off surfing in Florida or hiking in Washington. Whatever drives you, we match you with opportunities that actually fit your life—not just your resume.
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