Travel nurse stipends in Colorado
Federal GSA per diem rates for FY2027 in Colorado, the ceiling most staffing agencies use for tax-free housing and meal stipends. The table covers the areas around 96 hospitals; 14 areas have rates above the standard rate.
FY2027 GSA rates in Colorado
| Area | Lodging this month | Seasonal range | Meals per day | Weekly maximum | HUD 1-bed rent | Hospitals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VailVail | $205 | $205 to $417 | $92 | $2,079 | $1,600 | 1 |
| AspenAspen | $173 | $173 to $419 | $92 | $1,855 | $2,030 | 1 |
| Denver / AuroraDenver, Aurora, Lakewood | $170 | $170 to $227 | $92 | $1,834 | $1,960 | 20 |
| Silverthorne / BreckenridgeFrisco | $164 | $164 to $296 | $92 | $1,792 | $2,300 | 1 |
| Grand LakeKremmling | $152 | $128 to $182 | $86 | $1,666 | $1,240 | 1 |
| Crested Butte / GunnisonGunnison | $150 | $140 to $179 | $86 | $1,652 | $1,080 | 1 |
| MontroseMontrose | $143 | $143 to $194 | $74 | $1,519 | $900 | 1 |
| Steamboat SpringsSteamboat Springs | $135 | $126 to $299 | $92 | $1,589 | $1,940 | 1 |
| Colorado SpringsColorado Springs, Fort Carson | $128 | $128 to $176 | $86 | $1,498 | $1,590 | 8 |
| Boulder / BroomfieldLongmont, Louisville, Boulder | $125 | $125 to $173 | $80 | $1,435 | $2,070 | 7 |
| DurangoDurango | $122 | $122 to $190 | $80 | $1,414 | $1,260 | 2 |
| Fort Collins / LovelandFort Collins, Loveland, Estes Park | $120 | $120 to $157 | $80 | $1,400 | $1,610 | 5 |
| CortezCortez | $113 | $113 to $140 | $74 | $1,309 | $930 | 1 |
| DouglasHighlands Ranch, Castle Rock, Englewood | $113 | $113 to $139 | $80 | $1,351 | $2,140 | 6 |
| Rest of the state (standard rate)Grand Junction, Pueblo, Greeley | $113 | Same all year | $68 | $1,267 | $1,240 | 40 |
Weekly maximum is seven nights of lodging plus seven days of meals and incidentals at this month's rate. HUD rent is the FY2026 fair market rent for an unfurnished one-bedroom with basic utilities; furnished monthly rentals usually cost more. Sources: GSA and HUD.
How to use these rates
A weekly stipend is usually quoted as lodging plus meals and incidentals for seven days. Agencies set the actual amount, often below these ceilings, and the stipend is only tax-free if you keep a tax home you pay for. Read the tax home rules before you sign. The stipend calculator adds up a contract night by night when rates change by season.
Cities with the most hospitals in Colorado
- Colorado Springs7 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Denver7 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Aurora4 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Grand Junction3 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Pueblo3 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Durango2 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Englewood2 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Fort Collins2 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Greeley2 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Highlands Ranch2 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Lakewood2 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Longmont2 hospitals · estimate a contract
Questions about stipends in Colorado
What is the travel nurse stipend in Colorado?
Most agencies cap the tax-free stipend at the GSA per diem rate. In FY2027, the standard rate in Colorado is $113 a night for lodging and $68 a day for meals and incidentals, up to $1,267 a week. 14 areas pay more; the highest this month is Vail at $205 a night.
Which part of Colorado has the highest lodging rate?
Vail (Vail) at $205 a night this month, or up to $2,079 a week with meals and incidentals.
Do agencies have to pay the full GSA rate?
No. Agencies set their own stipends, often at or below the GSA rate, and some move part of the pay between the hourly rate and the stipend. Payments above the federal rate are generally taxable. You also need a tax home for the stipend to be tax-free.
When do these rates change?
Every October 1, when the federal fiscal year starts. FY2027 rates apply from October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027. Some areas also change by season within the year.