If you find your own housing, then they will knock it down to like $25/hr. Then you need to know how much per week they will give for the housing stipend and how much weekly for Meals and Incidentals. That changes per area. Then do the math and see if it is worth it to you. Remember also, if you work extra, it is at that $25/hr rate. Or you take their highest offer of $ per hour and let them find housing. It is up to you, whichever is more convenient. At the lower rate you have tax free income. In the end it is the same, just depends on whether you want the government to see you made $50,000 or $100,00 (for example).