Stipend vs. company apartment?

serinamour · Apr 26, 2005

I was also wondering this same thing. But I was actually moving from my home of record to the travel state. So which would be better. I have traveled before, and always taken the apt. they furnished for me. But the recruiter makes the stipend sound better. It will not be taxed she states. Any opinions are appreciated. Thank you

Hi! A question for all you veteran travelers out there...is it better (from a tax perspective), to have your travel company take care of your housing or to take the stipend? (We do have a tax home.) Also, if you take the stipend, is that included in your paycheck or is it a separate check. For the last year (also my first year of traveling) we have been having the company take care of our housing (because we came to CA from NC-didn't know anything about the areas); it has been very convenient and has worked out well as far as general location and proximity to the hospitals, but we're going to an area where we have family who can find us a place if necessary. What do you suggest?! Thanks.

suzanne4, RN · Apr 27, 2005

For me, the apt works out better.........otherwise you have to deal with finding a place before you get there and having it all set up in just a matter of days, especially if you are going from one contract to another...........

My company takes care of phone service, basic cable, all utilities,and fully furnished apt, down to silverware and linens.............who could ask for anyhting more??? :Melody:

It is one thing if you need to rent a house because of large pets or a bigger family, but if it is just you, go with the corporate apt, but that also depends on where your agency would place you.......don't worry as much about the taxes, but about convenience and time that you would be missing from working trying to find a place, etc.........

Dixielee, BSN, RN · Apr 27, 2005

I don't think it makes any difference from a tax perspective, but if you can find housing that is less than your stipend, then you can pocket the difference. My housing is not taxed but it comes with my regular paycheck divided accordingly. I have done both company housing and stipend, so it just depends on what is most convenient for you. As already stated, it is nice when you don't have to do the legwork. Plus, you need to find a place that has short or no leases unless you plan to be there a while. I wanted a house so I could have my dogs, so I got my own place in Tucson, but it may not be as easy in other cities, check around before you commit.

TinyNurse, RN · Apr 27, 2005

i'll have to agree with Suzanne, although my company only paid phone and electric along with rent and furnishings of a 1 bedroom........

it really takes alot off of your mind on that assignment to have your apartment and utilities set up for you............... but i did see on the local news a shoot out gang fight at the apartment complex I was set up at in Nashville..............

Blackcat99 · Apr 27, 2005

i'll have to agree with Suzanne, although my company only paid phone and electric along with rent and furnishings of a 1 bedroom........
it really takes alot off of your mind on that assignment to have your apartment and utilities set up for you............... but i did see on the local news a shoot out gang fight at the apartment complex I was set up at in Nashville..............

Oh no :uhoh21: I bet hearing about that shoot out made you feel real safe in that apartment! How awful!

ReefDragon · Apr 29, 2005

Been doing the travel nursing thing for about 6 yrs now and have tried many of the housing methods offered by many of the companies. When on the road, I usually prefer to take the housing offered by the company. It saves you the hastle of doing the legwork yourself and makes the move from area to area easier. If I plan to stay in an area for awhile (6 months or more), I'll usually take the stipend depending on what the company offers and whether or not I plan on doing alot of overtime. Usually companies lowball you on housing money. They usually offer between a low figure of $800 to $1200 and some are flexible giving a lower hourly wage for a higher housing stipend (Highest I have seen is $2600). The benefit of the lower wage and higher stipend is that the housing money is taxfree if you are working over 50 miles from your primary residence. This is a big bonus come tax time. The downfall to it tho is if you plan to do alot of overtime. The extra money from the overtime adds up fast and may surpass this benefit. It is really just personal preference. You usually do better taking the stipend but the extra legwork to find decent short-term housing near where you will work can be a major pain at times.