GSA Per Diem Calculator

Federal employees and government contractors who submit travel expense reports without first checking GSA per diem rates routinely either leave reimbursable money on the table or submit claims that trigger improper payment reviews. The General Services Administration sets per diem rates for over 400 domestic locations annually, with lodging rates varying from $98/night in rural areas to $383/night in New York City, and M&IE (meals and incidental expenses) rates from $59 to $79/day. First and last days of travel are reimbursed at 75% of the daily M&IE rate — a rule that catches many travelers off guard. For contractors working under GSA Schedule contracts or cost-reimbursable agreements, claiming incorrect per diem rates can result in contract non-compliance, audit findings, and repayment demands. This calculator computes total per diem allowances for any domestic destination using 2026 GSA rates, applies the first/last day rule, and separates lodging and M&IE components for accurate travel voucher preparation.

This calculator determines the maximum allowable GSA per diem reimbursement for federal employee and contractor domestic travel. Inputs include destination city and state, travel start and end dates, and whether lodging was obtained at a government rate or through actual cost receipts. The tool outputs: daily lodging allowance, daily M&IE allowance, first/last day M&IE (75% rule), total lodging allowable, total M&IE allowable, and total trip per diem reimbursement ceiling. It also provides the FY2026 M&IE breakdown (breakfast, lunch, dinner, incidentals) for destinations requiring itemized meal accounting.