GSA Per Diem Calculator
Calculate 2026 GSA per diem rates for federal travel including lodging and M&IE (meals and incidental expenses) by city/zip code. Compute trip total reimbursement with first/last day 75% rule and seasonal rate variations for 300+ locations.
Include departure and return days
2026 GSA Per Diem: Rates unchanged from 2025. Standard CONUS: $107 lodging + $68 M&IE.
M&IE: Meals and Incidental Expenses (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tips, fees)
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Introduction
This Gsa Per Diem is designed for professionals who need accurate and reliable calculations in their daily work. Whether you are planning finances, managing projects, or making critical business decisions, having the right numbers at your fingertips is essential. This tool provides instant results based on proven formulas, saving you time and reducing the risk of manual calculation errors. By using this calculator, you can focus on analysis and decision-making rather than spending time on complex computations. The interface is straightforward and designed for practical use, ensuring that you get the information you need quickly and efficiently.
What This Calculator Does
This GSA Per Diem Calculator determines federal travel reimbursement rates using official 2026 General Services Administration (GSA) per diem rates for domestic travel. It calculates lodging (hotel) reimbursement maximums and Meals and Incidental Expenses (M&IE) rates by location, including the first and last day of travel 75% M&IE rule. The calculator covers all 300+ CONUS (Continental U.S.) locations plus standard rates for locations without specific rates. It helps federal employees, military personnel on TDY, and government contractors estimate travel reimbursements, plan trip budgets, and understand federal travel policies under the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR).
The Formula
GSA per diem consists of two components: lodging and M&IE. The lodging rate is the maximum reimbursement for hotel costs at the destination (before taxes, which are reimbursable separately). M&IE covers meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and incidental expenses (tips, fees). For travel days, the standard M&IE rate applies. For the first and last day of travel, federal employees receive 75% of the standard M&IE rate since they are not at the destination for the full day. If the government provides a meal (conference, training), the M&IE is reduced by the meal's proportional value (breakfast 20%, lunch 30%, dinner 50%). Lodging requires actual receipts; M&IE is paid without receipts at the flat rate.
Step-by-Step Example
Enter travel location
Example: Travel to Washington DC. 2026 GSA rate: Lodging $257/night (reduced seasonal rate Jan-March), M&IE $79/day.
Enter travel duration
3-day trip (Monday departure, Wednesday return). 2 nights lodging, 3 days M&IE.
Apply first/last day rule
Day 1 (travel to DC): 75% of $79 = $59.25. Day 2 (full day): 100% = $79. Day 3 (travel home): 75% = $59.25. Total M&IE: $197.50.
Calculate lodging
2 nights at $257/night = $514 maximum lodging reimbursement (actual hotel cost not to exceed this amount before taxes).
Add lodging taxes
Hotel tax of 14.5% is reimbursable in addition to the lodging rate. Total lodging reimbursement: $514 + $74.53 taxes = $588.53.
Total trip reimbursement
$588.53 lodging + $197.50 M&IE = $786.03 total per diem reimbursement.
Real-World Use Cases
Federal Employee TDY Planning
A NOAA scientist traveling to Denver for a 5-day conference calculates total per diem costs: lodging at $177/night × 4 nights = $708, M&IE at $69/day × 5 days (with first/last at 75%) = $317.25. Total $1,025.25 helps plan credit card cash flow.
Multiple Location Trip
An auditor traveling from DC (standard rate) to San Francisco (high rate) to Austin (mid rate) over 2 weeks uses the calculator for each segment to verify the travel voucher correctly applies each location's rates and that the travel management system booked hotels within per diem.
Conference Attendance Budgeting
A program manager attending a training in New York City calculates the reduced M&IE: the conference provides lunch ($23.70 reduction) and two networking dinners ($39.50 reduction each day). Effective M&IE drops from $79 to $15.80/day, significantly reducing reimbursement expectations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Confusing per diem with actual expense reimbursement. Per diem is a flat rate regardless of actual spending. Spending less than M&IE does not increase lodging reimbursement and vice versa.
Not applying the first/last day 75% rule correctly. Some travelers incorrectly claim full M&IE on travel days or forget to reduce last day M&IE when returning home.
Assuming all locations use standard CONUS rates. High-cost areas like San Francisco ($316 lodging), NYC ($295), and Boston ($264) have significantly higher rates than standard CONUS ($107).
Forgetting that provided meals reduce M&IE. Conference meals, per diem meal reductions, and government-furnished meals must be deducted from claimed M&IE.
Not understanding lodging taxes are separate. Hotel taxes are reimbursable in addition to the maximum lodging rate, but resort fees, parking, and internet are not (unless authorized in orders).
Frequently Asked Questions
Accuracy and Disclaimer
GSA per diem rates are official U.S. government rates for federal civilian employees under the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR). Military personnel may use GSA rates or Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) rates. Actual agency policies may vary. OCONUS (overseas) rates are set by the Department of State and Defense Travel Management Office, not GSA, and are not included in this calculator. Lodging taxes are reimbursable in addition to maximum lodging rates. M&IE is a flat allowance regardless of actual meal costs. Always verify current rates at GSA.gov and confirm agency-specific travel policies. This calculator is for planning and estimation purposes only.
Conclusion
This calculator provides a reliable way to perform essential calculations for your professional needs. The results are based on standard formulas and should be used as estimates for planning and analysis purposes. For critical decisions, especially those involving financial, legal, or medical matters, it is always advisable to verify results with a qualified professional. Use this tool as part of your broader decision-making process, and explore related calculators on this platform to support your comprehensive planning needs. Regular use of accurate calculation tools helps ensure consistency and precision in your professional work.
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