Travel nursing in the US continues to grow, and 2026 is shaping up to be one of the strongest years yet. Hospitals across major cities are preparing for increased patient loads, expanded facilities and ongoing staffing gaps. Travel nurses are stepping in to support these needs, and the best destinations offer a mix of high pay, great lifestyles, strong hospital systems and reliable contracts.
If you’re planning assignments for 2026, knowing where the best opportunities are can help you secure higher income, better housing options and a more enjoyable experience. The cities listed below are popular for their work environments, quality of life and growing healthcare demand.
In This Article
What Makes a City a Top Travel Nurse Destination?
Before exploring the top locations, it helps to understand what makes certain cities stand out. Travel nurses don’t just look for pay; they look for a full experience.
Competitive Pay Rates
High hourly rates and strong stipends attract nurses who want to maximize income.
Hospital Density and Healthcare Quality
Cities with multiple large hospitals or teaching centers offer more contracts and specialty assignments.
Cost of Living Balance
Some cities offer high pay but also high rent, so a realistic balance matters.
Housing Availability
Short-term furnished apartments or nurse-friendly housing makes the stay easier.
Lifestyle and Environment
Nurses often choose cities based on outdoor activities, nightlife, food scenes or climate.
Compact State Licensing
Many states recognize the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing faster onboarding.
Top Travel Nurse Destinations in the US for 2026
1. Seattle, Washington
Seattle continues to be a top pick thanks to high pay rates and excellent hospital networks. Facilities like UW Medicine, Swedish Medical Center and Virginia Mason are known for advanced patient care. Demand remains steady in ICU, ER and oncology. Nurses enjoy outdoor options, waterfront views and access to cultural events. Housing is competitive, but stipends often match the cost.
2. Austin, Texas
Austin stays popular because of rapid population growth and a booming healthcare industry. Major hospital systems continue to expand and rely on travel nurses. The city appeals to younger nurses with live music, friendly neighborhoods and strong food culture. Texas being a compact state makes licensing fast, and housing is more affordable than coastal cities.
3. Denver, Colorado
Denver is ideal for nurses who want mountain views and year-round outdoor activities. Major trauma centers and high-altitude training hospitals rely heavily on travel nurses. Winter brings seasonal assignments, while summer offers flexibility and lifestyle perks. Pay is strong, and specialty demand remains high.
4. Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix has grown dramatically, increasing demand for travel nurses in med-surg, telemetry and home health. Its warm climate makes it a top winter destination. The cost of living is lower than other major cities, and the healthcare system continues expanding. Nurses enjoy spacious housing, easy commutes and beautiful desert scenery.
5. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston draws nurses for its world-renowned hospitals like Mass General and Brigham and Women’s. The city offers excellent professional growth for specialties such as research nursing, pediatrics and advanced care units. Pay is high, though living costs are higher. The city’s historical charm and academic environment make it a strong choice.
6. Miami, Florida
Miami offers beach weather, strong hospital systems and high demand in ICU, ER and cardiac care. Bilingual nurses see especially strong opportunities. Florida’s compact licensure makes credentialing simple. The lifestyle appeals to those who enjoy vibrant nightlife, healthy outdoor living and cultural diversity.
7. New York City, New York
New York City never stops needing nurses. With some of the largest hospital networks in the country, travel nurses benefit from strong pay and constant openings. While housing is expensive, stipends usually help cover costs. Nurses can choose from many neighborhoods and enjoy museums, restaurants and daily city life.
8. San Diego, California
San Diego is popular for its balanced lifestyle, perfect weather and high nurse staffing ratios mandated by state law. ICU, NICU and OR nurses find consistent demand. Pay rates are among the highest in the US. Nurses enjoy beaches, outdoor recreation and relaxed living, though housing is pricey.
9. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago offers reliable contracts, affordable rent and strong hospital systems. Large medical centers depend on travel nurses, particularly in trauma and emergency care. The city has a great food scene, lakefront attractions and strong cultural diversity. Winter weather can be intense, but many nurses love the city’s energy.
10. Raleigh–Durham, North Carolina
This area is known for high-quality research hospitals and opportunities in clinical trial units. The cost of living is reasonable, and it’s a compact state. With fast growth and stable demand for skilled nurses, this region remains a top pick for 2026.
Rising Travel Nurse Hotspots to Watch in 2026
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is becoming a competitive destination with expanding healthcare facilities and lively cultural appeal. Pay is strong, and living costs remain reasonable.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Outdoor enthusiasts love this location. Hospitals rely on travel nurses during seasonal peaks, and pay is competitive.
Portland, Oregon
High-quality healthcare systems and strong patient care standards make Portland attractive. The lifestyle fits nurses who enjoy nature and progressive urban living.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas continues expanding in the healthcare sector, creating more openings for travel nurses. No state income tax is a big bonus.
Minneapolis–St. Paul, Minnesota
Known for safe neighborhoods and excellent hospitals, this area offers steady work and affordable living.
State Licensing and Compact State Benefits for 2026
Licensing plays a major role in how quickly travel nurses can accept assignments. States in the Nurse Licensure Compact allow nurses to practice under one multistate license, saving weeks of processing time. By 2026, more states are expected to join, reducing delays and making travel assignments more flexible.
Nurses should keep their home-state multistate license active, complete background checks early, and watch for legislative updates.
Salary Expectations for Travel Nurses in 2026
Pay depends on specialty, location and hospital demand. In 2026, strong salaries are expected, particularly for ICU, ER, OR and L&D nurses. Seasonal contracts in high-demand states may pay more. Crisis contracts may appear during flu season, heat waves or natural disasters. Coastal and high-cost states often offer the highest rates.
Best Specialties for Travel Nurses in 2026
Specialties with the most consistent demand include:
- ICU
- ER
- Labor and Delivery
- Telemetry
- Operating Room
- Pediatrics
- Behavioral Health
- Home Health
These specialties offer stable contracts, strong pay and opportunities in most major cities.
Housing Options for Travel Nurses in 2026
Nurses balance salary with housing, and the best options depend on the city.
Popular choices include:
- Furnished apartments
- Nurse-shared housing
- Extended-stay hotels
- VRBO or Airbnb monthly rentals
- Agency-provided housing
Nurses should choose safe neighborhoods, verify parking options and compare stipends with market rent to maximize take-home pay.
Cost of Living Comparison: Top Cities for 2026
In 2026, the most expensive cities remain New York, Seattle, Boston and San Diego. More affordable options include Phoenix, Raleigh, Denver suburbs and parts of Chicago. Pay-to-rent ratios vary, so nurses should calculate income after housing costs to understand true earnings.
Lifestyle Benefits in Top Travel Nurse Cities
Cities on this list offer more than pay. Nurses enjoy:
- Beaches and waterfront access
- Mountain trails and scenic parks
- Lively music and dining scenes
- Cultural diversity
- Mild or warm climates
- Community support for healthcare workers
Lifestyle plays a big role in choosing long-term assignments.
Challenges Travel Nurses May Face in 2026 (and Solutions)
Common challenges include:
- Housing shortages in competitive cities
- Licensing delays in non-compact states
- Stress, burnout or isolation
- Night shift fatigue
- Unpredictable census changes
Nurses can manage these issues by planning ahead, joining travel nurse communities and keeping flexibility when choosing contracts.
How to Choose Your Best Destination as a Travel Nurse
To choose the right city, consider:
- Your specialty demand
- Pay vs. cost of living
- Housing availability
- Weather and lifestyle preferences
- Contract length and shift type
- Distance from family
- Compact license advantages
A simple checklist helps you pick the best option for career growth and personal comfort.
Must Read:
- Travel Nurse Housing Guide: How to Find Safe & Affordable Options
- Best Travel Nurse Specialties in Demand Right Now
- Taxes for Travel Nurses Explained: Complete Guide
Final Thoughts:
Travel nursing in 2026 offers countless opportunities for growth, adventure and financial stability. The top cities on this list stand out for strong pay, consistent demand and enjoyable living conditions.
Whether you want beaches, mountains, city life or calm suburbs, travel nursing makes it possible to explore the country while building experience and income. Choosing your assignments wisely ensures you have a rewarding year filled with new skills, great memories and exciting destinations.
