Ever wondered what it would be like to take a travel assignment in the Pacific Northwest? This region (made up of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington) boasts luscious greenery, endless outdoor activities, and unique metro areas. Here’s a guide to the benefits of taking a travel job in the Pacific Northwest!
- Average travel pay in the Pacific Northwest
- Pacific Northwest cost of living
- Things to do in the Pacific Northwest
Average travel pay in the Pacific Northwest
Want to know what you can expect to make as a healthcare traveler in the Pacific Northwest? Exact travel pay details will vary depending on demand, seasonality, specialty, and setting, but here’s a general idea for an average weekly salary as a travel nurse or travel allied health professional.
Average travel nurse salary
| Idaho | $1,963/week |
| Oregon | $1,687/week |
| Washington | $1,775/week |
Average allied health salary
| Idaho | $1,212/week |
| Oregon | $1,387/week |
| Washington | $1,341/week |
Pacific Northwest cost of living
Some areas in the Pacific Northwest are more expensive to live in than others, but you’re only committing to a 13-week contract. You’ll get to explore this area and everything it has to offer without the permanence of a year-long lease. All the fun, none of the commitment!
Or, you can live in a more affordable city in the Pacific Northwest, and travel to the bigger metro areas on your days off! There are also incredible outdoor activities to do no matter where you’re located in this region. The greenery is gorgeous wherever you look! Plus, the mountain views and cozy rainy days are incredible no matter where you're at in the PNW.
Cost of living in Idaho
If you take a travel assignment in the Gem State, expect the average rent in Idaho for a one-bedroom apartment to be $778. In comparison, rent in Boise for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,550. You'll also find groceries, transportation, and miscellaneous items (haircuts, clothes, gym memberships) cost less than the national average in Idaho. Additionally, Idaho is the cheapest state for utilities. If you’re looking for more affordable cities in Idaho, check out Blackfoot, Pocatello, or Idaho Falls.
Cost of living in Oregon
When looking for housing in Oregon, prepare for the average rent in Oregon for a one-bedroom apartment to be $1,074. Alternatively, rent in Portland for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,575. In Oregon, you’ll pay less for healthcare and utilities. If you’re interested in living in a more affordable city in Oregon, check out Albany, Coos Bay, or Baker City. If you're looking to live near Portland, check out Albany! This Oregon city is only an hour and 15 minutes from Portland, so visiting on your days off is definitely doable.
Cost of living in Washington
Interested in traveling to Washington state? The average rent in Washington for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,254, while rent in Seattle for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,995. Like Oregon, you can anticipate paying less for healthcare and utilities in the Evergreen State. If you’re hoping to pocket more of your housing stipend, check out affordable cities in Washington like Bothell, Spokane, or Auburn. For instance, Auburn is only about a 35 minute drive to a Seattle, so you can easily visit the Emerald City on your days off but save money on cost of living by living in the suburbs. 
Things to do in the Pacific Northwest
While the region is only comprised of three states, there’s plenty of fun things to do in the PNW! From hiking iconic mountains to checking out underground music scenes, there’s a little something for everyone in the area. Here are our bucket list items for outdoor recreation in each state and fun things to do in each state’s most popular city.
Unbeatable outdoor recreation
Outdoor lovers will feel right at home in the PNW. You can literally go chasing waterfalls, explore stunning Pacific Northwest forests, and even go whale-watching. Check out this list of the top outdoor activities to do in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
Outdoor activities in Idaho
- Relax in the Kirkham Hot Springs.
- Kayak to Shoshone Falls (AKA The Niagara of the West).
- Float along the Boise River.
- Try sandboarding at Bruneau Dunes State Park or Anthony’s Sand Dunes.
Outdoor activities in Washington
- Hike any of Washington state's incredible mountains like Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, or Mount Olympus.
- Spot Orca and Humpback Whales from San Juan Islands.
- Explore Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park.
- Camp near Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park.
Outdoor activities in Oregon
- Go dog sledding at Mount Hood during the winter months.
- Look at the Milky Way from Rim Drive on Crater Lake.
- Explore the Oregon Coast on beaches like Ecola State Park, Cape Kiwanda, and Cannon Beach.
- Windsurf or kiteboard at Columbia River Gorge.
Major metro cities to explore
The Pacific Northwest really has the best of both worlds. If you love the urban life, there is no end to the city exploration you can do in this region. From world-class art museums to exciting local markets, the Pacific Northwest metros will keep you busy. Check out all the best things to do in Boise, Portland, and Seattle.
Things to do in Boise, ID
- Watch hot air balloons fly over the city at the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic.
- Shop local for fresh produce, artisan crafts and goods, and homemade food items at Capital City Public Market.
- Stroll down Freak Alley, the largest outdoor art gallery you’ll find in the Northwest.
- Learn about the Basque community in Boise, the largest concentration of the Basque population in the world outside of Spain, at the Basque Museum & Cultural Center.
Things to do in Portland, OR
- Take a trip to the Portland Troll Bridge, one of the sites that helps keep Portland weird.
- Wander around the International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park, where you can watch over 10,000 rose bushes bloom annually, true to the cities nickname of Rose City.
- View five floors of permanent art collections at the Portland Art Museum, the oldest art museum in the Pacific Northwest.
- Drink your way through 70 breweries in Portland, adequately nicknamed Beervana, to find the best brew in the city.
Things to do in Seattle, WA
- Listen to artists of every genre at unique music venues like The Showbox, Triple Door, or Neumos.
- Admire breathtaking blown glass sculptures and gorgeous flower displays at Chihuly Garden and Glass.
- Explore Pike Place Market, or the Soul of Seattle, to shop for local market goods from hundreds of farmers, small businesses, and crafters.
- Get your morning cup of joe from the Original Starbucks in the Coffee Capital of the World.
There’s no area quite like the PNW, and healthcare travel is the perfect way to explore this beautiful region. Apply to healthcare travel jobs in the Pacific Northwest region today! Curious about other regions that are great for healthcare travelers? Check out our guide to Benefits of Being a Healthcare Traveler in the Midwest.
Salary information was sourced from ZipRecruiter.
