I don't own a home and stayed w/friends between my 1st and 2nd assignments. I find this a bit inconvenient and intrusive, though, especially since I have a dog and a cat. Most of my stuff is in storage. I am thinking of renting a cheap apt just to have somewhere to stay b/t assignments and to kind of call "home". Do you guys think this would be a waste of money? I'd like to own a home someday but I haven't figured out where I want to settle yet (hence, the travel nurse gig!).

Why don't you just rent a room. Cheaper. Sometimes you can find one where pets are allowed. If you find one with a separate entrance and tell the homeowner you will be gone most of the time, they probably would like that situation. I know of a woman who rented a room just in case she needed a place for overnight. She had a long commute, and didn't want to have to stay at a hotel if she was too tired for the drive. Just an idea.

Or look in the clssifieds for someone who's looking for a roomate.

If I were looking for one I'd want one like you.

If you can find a cheap place to rent, then you will have a tax home while you are away on assignments, so your company-paid housing won't be taxed. You'll have less taxes deducted from you checks, so that might make up for the expense of renting a place.