Housing Included: 16 Jobs That Can Help You Save Big on Living Expenses

Are you tired of paying rent or struggling to find affordable housing? There are job opportunities out there that offer free housing as part of your compensation package. These jobs span from various industries and career levels, ranging from entry-level to seasonal positions. 

The primary benefit of these job opportunities is to reside where you are employed, which would give you the additional perk of cutting costs on renting AND traveling to work. Depending on the job, accommodations may vary from private rooms in residential homes to staff lodgings in parks or on cruise ships. 

Are you curious about the types of jobs that offer this perk? Here are some examples:
 

1. Park Ranger
If you're into nature and don't mind a simple lifestyle, consider becoming a park ranger. Tour, patrol and respond to emergencies in stunning locations with free housing.

Estimated salary: $38,660 per year (Park-Ranger.org). The top 10% make around $85,000 per year.

2. Au Pair
Love kids? Try being an au pair. You will offer childcare to a host family in exchange for lodging, food, and cultural experience. Responsibilities may include household chores.

Estimated salary: Depends on the country. Ex: Australia = $580 to $720 per month, Spain = $311 to $364 per month

3. Cruise Ship Employee
This one’s for those who dream of a life on the open sea. Consider a job on a cruise ship - from casino dealers to housekeepers, various roles available.

Estimated salary: A cruise ship worker can make $14,000 to $102,000 depending on the position. (ZipRecruiter)

4. Military Member
Military service is a big commitment but offers many benefits like free lodging, food, healthcare, and retirement.

Estimated salary: It varies greatly by position, but the average Army private first class (infantry) makes $33,250 per year. (PayScale)

5. Private Chef
As a personal chef, you'll cook for clients and guests, possibly including gourmet meals and events. Free housing provided.

Estimated salary: $88,409 per year (Indeed)

6. Building Superintendent
As a building superintendent, you would manage properties meaning handling complaints, cleaning, and maintenance. All this in exchange for free housing.

Estimated salary: $54,608 per year (Indeed)

7. Live-In Caregiver
Live-in caregivers assist older adults or special-needs individuals with daily activities and receive free housing in return.

Estimated salary: $36,855 per year (Zippia)

8. Nanny
A live-in nanny offers holistic childcare, including homework, meals, and transportation. The benefits could include sick days and health care.

Estimated salary: The average gross weekly salary for a full-time live-in nanny is $670. Live-out nannies earn $766 per week on average. (Nanny Lane)

9. Clergy
Pastors and religious teachers teach and counsel congregants. For some churches, they offer free housing to clergy members. 

Estimated salary: $38,358 per year (ZipRecruiter)

10. Faculty In-Residence
Faculty in-residence live on campus and mentor students in exchange for free housing, providing greater accessibility.

Estimated salary: Average salary $87,098 per year. (Open Payrolls)

11. Oil Rig Mechanic
Oil rig work pays well with on-site housing, but the rugged conditions and schedule may pose family challenges.

Estimated salary: $151,429 per year (ZipRecruiter)

12. Seasonal Hotel/Resort Worker
Seasonal jobs offer entry-level opportunities with no experience needed and come with on-site housing in various fields such as hospitality and tourism.

Estimated salary: $46,005 per year (ZipRecruiter)

13. International English Teacher
Teaching English in Asia is a rewarding opportunity for young graduates with high demand — housing, and airfare included in contracts.

Estimated salary: Pay varies wildly by country. See a full list of salary ranges at TEFL.org.

14. Ranch Hand
Ranch hands are wanted in the Western US for animal care and property maintenance in exchange for housing.

Estimated salary: $26,073 per year (Comparably)

15. International Civil Engineer
Civil engineering offers high-paying jobs with free housing and travel benefits due to a global demand for professionals.

Estimated salary: $87,102 per year (ZipRecruiter)

16. Travel Nurse
Travel nurses, hired by staffing agencies, work temporarily in healthcare facilities with good compensation and benefits.

Estimated salary: On average, $117,490 per year (NursingProcess.Org)

Keep in mind that while these jobs may provide housing, the compensation may be lower than other positions in the same field. It’s important to carefully consider the overall package before accepting a job offer.