Travel Nursing in Santa Barbara, CA

2 openings from $2,803–$2,965/week in Santa Barbara, CA — Case Manager, L&D. Pay by specialty, what it costs to live there, and 7 furnished places to stay.

2 openings from $2,803–$2,965/week right now.

Housing in Santa Barbara

7 furnished rentals available for travel nurses.

Browse Santa Barbara housing

Cost of living in Santa Barbara

Prices in California run 11% higher overall.

CategoryIndexvs national
Overall110.711% higher
Housing154.354% higher
Utilities158.959% higher
Groceries and goods106.16% higher
Services102.63% higher

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024, where 100 is the national average.

Rent in Santa Barbara

UnitMonthlyMeasure
Studio$2,870HUD Fair Market Rent 2025, utilities included
One bedroom$3,240HUD Fair Market Rent 2025, utilities included
Two bedroom$3,650HUD Fair Market Rent 2025, utilities included
Three bedroom$4,840HUD Fair Market Rent 2025, utilities included
Typical asking rent, all sizes$4,119Zillow Observed Rent Index 2025

The federal ceiling on tax-free lodging reimbursement in Santa Barbara is $110 per night, plus up to $68 a day for meals (GSA, FY2026). GSA names roughly 300 higher-cost destinations individually; Santa Barbara is not one, so the national standard rate applies. That is a maximum, not what agencies pay.

Licensing

California is not a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so you need a California license to work here even if you hold a multistate license.

Pay in CA

Average weekly package (base + stipends): $2,771 based on 3 reports.

View CA pay data

Open assignments in Santa Barbara