Travel nurse stipends in North Carolina
Federal GSA per diem rates for FY2027 in North Carolina, the ceiling most staffing agencies use for tax-free housing and meal stipends. The table covers the areas around 115 hospitals; 10 areas have rates above the standard rate.
FY2027 GSA rates in North Carolina
| Area | Lodging this month | Seasonal range | Meals per day | Weekly maximum | HUD 1-bed rent | Hospitals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chapel HillChapel Hill | $153 | Same all year | $80 | $1,631 | $1,680 | 1 |
| AshevilleAsheville, Black Mountain | $145 | $125 to $145 | $80 | $1,575 | $1,674 | 3 |
| CharlotteCharlotte, Matthews | $143 | Same all year | $80 | $1,561 | $1,630 | 7 |
| RaleighRaleigh, Cary | $142 | Same all year | $74 | $1,512 | $1,400 | 4 |
| FayettevilleFayetteville, Fort Bragg | $129 | Same all year | $68 | $1,379 | $1,110 | 3 |
| DurhamDurham | $124 | Same all year | $74 | $1,386 | $1,480 | 4 |
| Atlantic Beach / Morehead CityMorehead City | $123 | $123 to $178 | $74 | $1,379 | $970 | 1 |
| Kill Devil HillsNags Head | $120 | $120 to $267 | $74 | $1,358 | $1,150 | 1 |
| GreensboroGreensboro, High Point | $116 | $116 to $130 | $74 | $1,330 | $1,070 | 2 |
| WilmingtonWilmington | $113 | $113 to $170 | $74 | $1,309 | $1,510 | 2 |
| Rest of the state (standard rate)Goldsboro, Greenville, Hendersonville | $113 | Same all year | $68 | $1,267 | $920 | 87 |
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 North Carolina
- Charlotte6 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Durham4 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Raleigh4 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Asheville2 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Fayetteville2 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Goldsboro2 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Greenville2 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Hendersonville2 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Hickory2 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Jacksonville2 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Linville2 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Morganton2 hospitals · estimate a contract
Questions about stipends in North Carolina
What is the travel nurse stipend in North Carolina?
Most agencies cap the tax-free stipend at the GSA per diem rate. In FY2027, the standard rate in North Carolina is $113 a night for lodging and $68 a day for meals and incidentals, up to $1,267 a week. 10 areas pay more; the highest this month is Chapel Hill at $153 a night.
Which part of North Carolina has the highest lodging rate?
Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill) at $153 a night this month, or up to $1,631 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.