There's no place like home

Seriously consider weighing the option of being a traveler close to home and taking a fully taxable rate. Stipends are great, but not having to double up on expenses may actually be the same bottom line. After being underpaid for years or completely flat wage growth, there's immense gratification in receiving a travel paycheck netting close to 2k per week after taxes. My recommendation, take an interview close to home that you may normally pass on because of the pay package. At the end of the day there's no place like home.