CA RN...will I take a paycut?

NedRN · Jul 22, 2014

I think I've met maybe a couple of travelers from California in the 20 years I've traveled. They are very rare because it is particularly difficult to make a financial case for it on paper. Yes, you can do it, and you won't go broke. You may even be able to save more money than you can now. But it is not as appealing to West Coast nurses as nurses from the South making half of what you make as staff.

You don't have to own a home to have a tax home, renting is OK. It may not work out so well with the cost of rent in California of course. I take it that you are two nurses? Here's the skinny on the tax benefits for travelers: for most, they represent about $10,000 a year more in the bank. For two of you, that is $20,000 a year - in the bank! Subtract the costs of renting, or a mortgage, and you should end up ahead.

Do you have family ties anywhere else in the US, particularly in a low housing cost state (most compact licensure states have relatively lower costs for an additional benefit for travelers)? If you really want to maximize travel to make money, consider establishing a residence and tax home there, perhaps working for a few months locally to solidify a legitimate tax home. Consider also purchasing an inexpensive home, getting roommates to pay for a good bit of the mortgage, and hitting the road! You should be able to pay off the house rather quickly.

Finally, RVs are great but they are a lifestyle choice. In no way is it usually possible to justify them as a way to save money. They are romantic and comfortable (no unpacking/packing every three months), and easier if you are pet owners. But total cost of owning and maintaining them with higher gas usage and park fees are generally more than renting.

trackhead, APRN · Jul 22, 2014

Finally, RVs are great but they are a lifestyle choice. In no way is it usually possible to justify them as a way to save money. They are romantic and comfortable (no unpacking/packing every three months), and easier if you are pet owners. But total cost of owning and maintaining them with higher gas usage and park fees are generally more than renting.

Ned,

I agree with you that living in an RV is a lifestyle choice, but how much would you expect a family of three to pay for rent for short term leases (3 mos) for the typical travel assignment?

I've considered ditching our fifth wheel and trying to find housing for my wife/kid/me, but haven't convinced myself it's affordable. And, after five years traveling (the longest we want to go for), we will have at least something with equity in it when we sell it, granted, it's a huge depreciating asset. But we bought our fifth wheel for $23,000 and should be able to sell it for half that when we are done.

On a side note, it's really nice to have an RV between assignments. I love taking two or three weeks off and roaming slowly to the next assignment. Home is always home.

BTW, most RV parks are $500-650/mos. RV insurance for full coverage is $25/mos. Gas is 10mpg for typical diesel truck while towing. If you switch companies between assignments, you can double dip on travel reimbursement which typically covers fuel charges.

NedRN · Jul 22, 2014

When I said not usually possible to save money, that is not an absolute. There are a lot of variables here, and having being a couple makes it more likely that the math may work out. The reason is that singles have more housing options than couples, like a house share being more reasonable. But the cost of renting a one bedroom (you have a toddler, right?) that most agencies provide is no more for you than a single traveler. 12K of depreciation is a lot, and so is the extra cost and lower mileage of the truck to pull it.

I have a friend who RVs it, and leaves his RV in California when he returns home once a year or so. He pulls a Jeep behind a Class C (not sure I have the terminology right - a very small motor home). It doesn't get much better mileage than the RV, and I was stunned when I figured out that he spent $1,400 in gas each way to go home in his Jeep. Clearly if he didn't visit remote area family on the trip, air fares would be a better deal (although perhaps even higher environmental impact).

If you predicate such discussions with lowest cost way to travel, like a small car or hybrid getting around 40mpg versus a gas guzzling SUV many seem to favor, finding housing on your own (perhaps easier in your case with a partner) and keeping the stipend balance, then considering the difference to the RV lifestyle costs, I think you will find that it is hard to justify on a strict financial basis.

But if you do not do things the cheapest way (you have to own an SUV and pull a second vehicle for your partner), then you can make a better financial case for it. It is not the way I think as I am extra cheap and hate wasting money, but in real life, I suppose RV can be a wash for average spenders. Either way, if you don't watch your budget, you will not be saving money. If you are doing OK financially, I would keep up your current lifestyle. No point in taking the depreciation hit now if you like your lifestyle!

trackhead, APRN · Jul 23, 2014

Ned,

If I were travelling alone, I'd do what you do, and find my own housing. It's tough with a family, or perhaps I'm not trying hard enough?

Nice thing about RV in California is you can get some pretty sweet campsites on beaches, etc. But again, RV parks are REALLY hit or miss. Some look OK in pics, but really suck when you see them in person.

True about truck maintenance, etc. I always get a little twitchy a few weeks before we leave for the next assignment. Gotta make sure you have good rubber on the truck and trailer, take care of the transmission, etc. It's no joke towing 12,000lbs.

Anna S, RN · Aug 5, 2014

I've traveled to Cali, and reg staff always makes more than travelers there.

shoegalRN, RN · Aug 6, 2014

I've traveled to Cali, and reg staff always makes more than travelers there.

I am on my second assignment in California and I was shocked to find out how much more the staff was making than travelers!