Per Diem Rates
Regarding reimbursing employees for travel-related expenses, per diem rates are an invaluable tool. They help businesses abide by legal regulations and streamline their payroll processes.
Contents
- The Standard Rate
- Non-Standard Areas
- Expenses That Aren’t Covered
- Mileage Rates
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District Of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
Many employers opt to adhere to the federal per diem rates for convenience. But before you implement them for your employees, there are some things you should be aware of about these rates.
The Standard Rate
Employees typically receive per diem rates to cover expenses such as food and lodging when traveling for business. These reimbursements are non-taxable and usually paid in full or through a prepaid company credit card.
The General Services Administration (GSA) sets federal per diem rates based on historical data each fiscal year. These rates include a maximum lodging allowance and meals and incidentals expense (M&IE) component.
In 2025, the standard rate for CONUS (the continental United States) will be $157; that breaks down to $98 for lodging and $59 for meals & expenses. This rate applies across all 48 states plus D.C. and U.S. territories like Hawaii and Alaska.
Most of the country is covered by this rate, but there are certain “non-standard areas” where the IRS has set higher per diem rates due to higher living costs. There are 316 non-standard areas across America with per diem rates at least $2 higher than what’s standard across CONUS.
To help determine which areas are considered standard and which are high-cost, the GSA offers a convenient search tool that can be used to obtain localized rates. You may also opt for the high-low method, which divides an area into two groups – one with higher per diem rates and another with lower ones.
Utilizing standard or high-low methods can be confusing, so it’s best to stick with the IRS-approved per diem rate when possible. This way, employees clearly understand their allowances and can conveniently track reimbursements.
Other types of industry-specific per diem rates exist, which can be advantageous to employees with specialized roles within their businesses. For instance, transportation workers may require a special per diem rate since they often sleep in the cab of their semi instead of hotels.
Additionally, many companies have a corporate per diem policy that dictates how these rates are calculated. Although this can differ from company to company, staying abreast of each year’s federal per diem rates is beneficial for any business.
Non-Standard Areas
If you are a federal employee traveling for work, you likely know that your agency will reimburse certain expenses related to the trip. These include lodging and meals. The General Services Administration (GSA) sets per diem rates throughout the continental United States – comprising 48 contiguous states plus D.C.
Per diem rates are calculated based on contractor-provided average daily rate data from the hotel industry, a statistical measure of room sales revenue divided by the number of rooms sold. GSA has utilized this metric since the fiscal year 2005.
However, this metric differs from what one would expect for a per diem rate that actually gets paid out. Thankfully, the GSA has released new per diem rates for 2025 that are more accurate than those from several years back.
This year’s rates include the standard per diem rate of $157, which consists of a maximum lodging allowance of $98 a day and a meals and incidentals expense cap of $59. Also, non-standard per diem rates will be applied to 316 locations outside common areas in 2025.
With any upcoming per diem changes, be sure to explore what the area you’re traveling to offers regarding dining and lodging options. With this information, you can plan your trip and ensure you get the most affordable meal and accommodation rates.
In the meantime, if you plan a travel excursion this fall, keep track of your spending, and don’t hesitate to request an itemized receipt as proof of claim. A correct permit could mean the difference between getting your per diem value and settling for less reimbursement.
Expenses That Aren’t Covered
Per diem rates do not cover certain expenses such as personal and entertainment costs, gas, transportation fees, and meals that are not part of an employee’s official duty assignment. To prove these costs, employees may need to present receipts or other proof before being reimbursed.
Employers can reimburse employees on a per diem basis for all lodging and meals while on business travel. This method is usually more straightforward than reimbursing employees for actual expenses, making budget tracking easier.
Per diems may be a better solution for some companies. They can be time-consuming and challenging to administer, especially if you have multiple locations to pay for and rates vary by location.
Some employers favor a more straightforward reimbursement method that involves paying one flat amount to all business travelers and requiring them to submit expense reports. This makes it simpler for businesses to keep track of their expenditures and prevent overpayment for travel-related services.
Other companies take a more complex approach, which involves calculating how much lodging and meal expenses an employee should cover based on how many days they’re away from home. To prove these costs, employees must present receipts to prove them and report them on their tax returns even though these expenses aren’t taxable.
If an employee fails to submit receipts or other proof of purchase, their reimbursements may be subject to income and payroll taxes. This is especially true if they use their per diem allowance for non-deductible job expenses such as travel or mileage.
Furthermore, the IRS allows employers to utilize per diem rates as compensation for lodging and meal expenses when traveling on business. This saves employers valuable time and resources while making travel more affordable for employees.
Mileage Rates
Knowing the mileage rates set by GSA each year is essential if you’re a federal employee who uses their own vehicle for business travel. This data can help inform decisions when planning trips and maximize your per diem allowance.
When planning a trip to an unfamiliar city, research the per diem rate for that region and estimate how much lodging and meals will cost you. If you must stay at a hotel, get an itemized receipt to claim it as part of your per diem allowance.
In 2025, the IRS adjusted its standard mileage rates for business and medical trips in response to rising fuel costs and car maintenance prices. This year they are again raising this rate; now at 65.5 cents per mile – up 3 cents from the 62.5-cent rate that applied in 2025‘s second half (see our Checkpoint article).
On December 29, a change was announced that would take effect for travel beginning on or after January 1, 2025 – with some exceptions for tax-related trips. These travelers will still be subject to the increased midyear rate from 2024, and the 14-cent rate used when an automobile is primarily essential for charitable causes.
In 2025, there will be an increase in the maximum value of employer-provided automobiles that can be used as the basis for calculating reimbursement allowances under a fixed and variable rate (FAVR) plan. This maximum will rise from $56,100 in 2024 to $60,800 for employees’ first personal automobiles used during the calendar year 2025.
This year, the rates for using private aircraft to perform government work will be reduced. That means some feds who use their private planes for government work will be reimbursed at a lower rate than last year.
The GSA has also released 2025 per diem rates for all federal travelers for meals, lodging, and incidentals. These prices are based on historical data and may differ slightly depending on where you travel.
Alabama
Alabama is known for its generous per diem benefits. State and federal employees are entitled to a daily limit of $65 on travel expense reimbursement (this figure does not apply to local government officials).
The state of North Dakota is known for setting high standards for its state-sponsored “trophy” awards, such as the $65 honor that ranks among the largest in America.
Arizona has never had one of the highest per diem rates despite its size. Indeed, even at its top echelons (the state legislature), lawmakers only receive about a fifth of what would otherwise be paid on average daily rates. This information is derived from GSA’s per diem calculator and contractor-provided average daily rates, verified for accuracy by state and federal agencies.
As with many states, Alabama’s per diem rate has been in flux since the start of government contracting in the 1990s. Current estimates indicate it is up about 2% from a year ago but still well behind its competition.
Arizona
The General Services Administration (GSA) sets per diem rates that differ by the city each month. These fees are determined based on contractor-provided average daily rate (ADR) data of local lodging properties.
The GSA regularly updates rates throughout the year, which can vary month-to-month due to seasonal pricing changes. This could impact how much money you get reimbursed from your employer for per diem payments, so it’s wise to monitor GSA’s website regularly for up-to-date rates.
Searching for per diem rates that apply to your location can be done in several ways. Some of the options include searching by city or state, as well as using Google to look up specific zip codes.
The GSA also offers a per diem rates map to help you locate your local rate. Click on the county you plan on traveling to, and it will provide detailed breakdowns of the applicable per diem rates in that area.
Arkansas
Arkansas has been known to adjust its per diem rates to stay competitive. Review your travel policy to find out what’s being offered near you. The more specific the plan, the greater your chances of finding a great deal.
Pulaski County’s per diem rate for hotel rooms has increased from $91 to $94, while meals remain at $59. To determine the current rates in your area, utilize GSA’s SmartPay tool or ask your Travel Administrator for assistance.
The state does not have its own per diem; it offers per-day travel allowances based on the federal maximum lodging allowance and meal and incidental expenses (M&IE) rate for specific regions. To be eligible, you must fill out a claim form and meet all criteria set out in it. For more details regarding these allowances, visit the Department of Finance website.
California
As an employer, you may be paying your employees per diem rates to cover expenses while on business trips. These daily allowances are classified as non-taxable income by the IRS and do not count toward their taxable income.
The General Services Administration (GSA) establishes standard per diem rates for federal travelers each year. These include a maximum lodging allowance and meals & incidentals expenses (M&IE) component.
Per diem rates vary by city and month to reflect the cost of living in an area and higher lodging rates during peak tourist seasons. Lodging costs are determined using contractor-provided average daily rate (ADR) data from nearby lodging properties.
GSA sets standard per diem rates and non-standard areas (NSAs) where the standard CONUS rate is unavailable. NSAs encompass 316 locations around America, including metropolitan areas. Beginning in F.Y. 2025, these NSAs will have a lodging rate that meets or exceeds that of standard CONUS locations; federal government travelers in these locations may spend up to $98 per night at these establishments.
Colorado
Per Diem Rates are the daily amounts businesses pay their employees to cover expenses on business trips. These rates are set annually by the General Services Administration (GSA) based on historical data and may change annually as necessary.
The GSA publishes per diem rate lookup tools by city or state each year. You may also access these rates by selecting “Fiscal Year” in the drop-down menu on their website.
Per diem rates are determined by the cost of living in your destination; some places have higher or lower prices than others. Furthermore, certain cities may have designated high-cost months or seasons when lodging rates tend to be at their most expensive.
However, for the most part, you can use a straightforward method that divides per diem into two groups: one with a high rate and one with a low rate. Doing this will save both time and money in the long run.
The federal government sets a standard CONUS (Continental United States) rate for travel within the contiguous U.S. that applies to all travelers using the travel expense reimbursement process. There are 316 non-standard areas with per diem rates higher than this standard CONUS rate.
Connecticut
Like gas rates, federal per diem rates are set annually by the General Services Administration (GSA) starting in October. These amounts determine how much money federal employees can spend each day while on business travel.
On business trips, meal reimbursement must be claimed using either the “per diem” method or receipt. Both ways must be utilized throughout your journey – an employee cannot use one day’s “per diem” method and then switch to an “actual expenses” approach the following day.
Employees using the per diem method will be reimbursed up to $157 daily for lodging and $59 daily for meals and incidentals purchases – these amounts remain unchanged from the fiscal year 2024.
For further details on per diem rates in Connecticut, visit the GSA’s website or select one of the counties below for a comprehensive overview of rates that apply to your trip. You’ll also find an archived table displaying per diem rates by month for 2025.
Delaware
If your company requires employees to travel for business purposes, it’s beneficial to understand Per Diem Rates and how they compare to those in other states. Utilizing these rates can save time and energy regarding reimbursement requests.
Per Diem Rates are reimbursement rates the federal government sets to reimburse travelers for lodging and meals while traveling on official business. They apply to all 48 contiguous states plus Washington, D.C.
Rates are set based on contractor-provided average daily rate (ADR) data of local lodging properties. After being approved by GSA and OMB, these rates become final.
Per diem rates vary by county and sometimes city to city, depending on where an employee resides. Generally, most continental United States falls under a standard per diem rate of $157 ($98 lodging and $59 M&IE).
Non-standard areas (NSAs), which are 316 counties within the continental United States, may have higher per diem rates than standard rates. Before sending an employee to one of these high-cost locales, consult your company’s human resources or accounting department for further details.
District Of Columbia
The District of Columbia has one of the highest per diem rates in America due primarily to the high cost of living there.
Each October, the United States General Services Administration (GSA) releases new per diem rates for all 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C. (CONUS Rates). In addition, the Defense Department sets its non-CONUS travel rates, while the State Department issues foreign rates.
These per diem rates reimburse employees for travel expenses incurred on official business. They are exempt from income tax withholding or reporting on an employee’s Form W-2.
Calculating per diem costs can be done in the standard method or the high-low method. With the traditional approach, you look up your destination’s per diem rate on GSA’s handy per diem rate search tool.
Florida
In the United States, per diem is reimbursement companies pay employees to cover travel expenses while on business trips. This can be reimbursed or paid upfront by the company; employees may even use a prepaid credit card issued by their employer to make purchases while away on work-related duties.
Florida offers many locations for business travelers, from large cities to small towns and resorts. However, some areas have higher per diem rates than others which can need to be clarified for businesses in determining the correct rate.
The General Services Administration (GSA) publishes federal per diem rates each fiscal year on its website, which can be searched by area and date. Alternatively, ask your H.R. or accounting department for specific rates. Furthermore, bipartisan legislation introduced last year by U.S. Reps Bill Posey and Charlie Crist would require the GSA to set a floor for future federal lodging reimbursement rates at 2024 levels established before COVID-19 occurred; this act would help hotel and travel industries recover from their recent economic crisis.
Georgia
Federal employees should know that the GSA has established a per diem rate in each state for 2025, covering lodging and meals while traveling. You can quickly discover this rate in your region by visiting the GSA website; furthermore, it allows comparison between per diem rates within the same area and month based on historical data, so there’s no guesswork involved! Moreover, travelers will find helpful travel-related news, tips, and tricks at their fingertips as they travel for business or pleasure. Whether traveling on business or pleasure – knowing all pertinent federal rules and regulations is vital – whether taking time off for leisure – regardless of purpose!
Idaho
When employees travel for work, the General Services Administration sets per diem rates that reimburse them for expenses. These rates apply to federal employees and many private-sector workers; additionally, these figures help determine if non-federal government personnel owe taxes on reimbursements related to work-related costs.
Per diem rates are determined by the location where your employee will be staying, and they include both lodging and meals.
Federal travelers in the continental United States (CONUS) pay a standard per diem rate for lodging of $98. Meals and incidentals (M&IE) range from $59-$79.
In addition to lodging, meals & entertainment, federal employees may be reimbursed for incidentals such as tips paid to baggage carriers, bellhops, hotel staff, ship crew members, and other transportation personnel. Recently the IRS published Notice 2025-44 with updated per diem rates that can be used to prove ordinary and necessary business expenses incurred while away from home.
In 2025, there will be 316 Non-Standard Areas (NSAs) with per diem rates higher than the standard CONUS rate. To view a list of all NSAs and their respective per diem rates, go to GSA’s “F.Y. 2025 Per Diem Highlights.”
Illinois
The federal government sets per diem rates, determining the maximum allowance for lodging and other travel-related expenses. Furthermore, this department administers various incentives to its employees and contractors; for instance, searching the Internet for free hotel rooms so travelers on state business can demonstrate their status as state employees by arriving at their destination on time.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) manages a similar program for the federal government. Utilizing proprietary statistical algorithms, DOT compares rates across each region to find its employees the best deal possible. They’ve partnered with hotel chains to offer discounts on items like breakfast in bed or room service, plus there’s also free merchandise, meals, and travel credits included as part of this great deal! Furthermore, employees at DOT can claim tax-exempt travel expenses – an unusual policy among agencies nationwide!
Indiana
Indiana boasts one of the highest concentrations of government employees in America. While state and local agencies have considerable power, federal agencies still hold the majority regarding setting per diem rates.
The General Services Administration (GSA) is widely credited as being the pioneer of per diem rate innovation. Indeed, they pioneered what we now know as the modern per diem rate system.
In addition to the naming contest, GSA sets per diem rate tiers and offers web-based tools for agencies to monitor costs and manage reimbursements. So if you’re searching for the most economical per diem rate or just curious about what everyone else thinks, look at these resources today. You’ll be well on your way to creating an efficient business travel program!
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Iowa
Per diem rates reimburse employees for their lodging and meals on official business. The government sets these rates according to the cost of living in each area.
Each city, town, or state has its own per diem rate that changes annually. To find out what this rate is in your area, the GSA provides a helpful search tool that you can use to discover what the standard per diem rate is.
Companies typically determine their per diem rates using three methods: the standard method, the high-low method, and the non-standard rate method.
Standard per diem rates include a maximum lodging allowance and meal and incidentals expenses (M&IE) component. M&IE can consist of food ordered while on the road, room service while staying at a hotel, or groceries purchased while traveling for business purposes.
Additionally, employee travel expenses may include taxi fares or ride-share fees. Parking expenses are also taken into account when setting a per diem rate.
For instance, a trip to Cedar Rapids or Mt. Vernon from Ames would not qualify for the higher rate even though those cities were less than 100 miles away from Ames.
Kansas
The State of Kansas utilizes General Services Administration (GSA) rates to calculate per diem reimbursement for employees on official travel. This data can be found in the SMART system by performing a query under “KS_EX_CONUS_RATES.”
The GSA rate determines the maximum allowed lodging allowance and meals and incidentals (M&IEs) for travel destinations across the continental United States. Different tiers of these rates apply; the most cost-effective option is the standard CONUS per diem rate of $157, which applies to official travel performed after October 1, 2024, and before September 30, 2025.
The State of Kansas has instituted a state per diem rate to help offset the effects of federal per diem rates on employee travel expenses. This is an economical way for employees to pay for meals and hotel accommodations while they’re away, supplementing GSA rates and saving millions each year for Kansas. Furthermore, this requires minimal time or effort from State employees, plus it works in conjunction with other cost-saving measures within agency budgeting processes.
Kentucky
If you’re a federal employee traveling on official business, your reimbursement rate will depend on where you go. The General Services Administration (GSA) sets per diem rates for continental America and specific foreign locations; additionally, they keep an up-to-date list of high-cost locales.
The GSA’s per diem rates are determined by the average daily rate at hotels in each region and used to reimburse travelers for lodging and meal expenses. These rates are updated annually with a maximum lodging allowance and an M&IE component.
From October 1 to September 30, 2025, the base CONUS per diem rate will increase from $96 to $98. The M&IE rate remains $59 for travel destinations within CONUS and $74 for those outside.
The GSA also announced the removal of three regions from its non-standard list of cities, changing their per diem rates back to those applicable throughout the continental U.S.: Cromwell and Old Saybrook in Connecticut; El Paso, Texas; and Rock Springs, Wyoming.
Louisiana
The General Services Administration (GSA) recently released its 2025 Per Diem Rates, calculated based on the agency’s Travel and Lodging Survey (TLS) data. Each year, these rates may change slightly; therefore, it’s always wise to consult your local government for the most up-to-date information.
One of the more intriguing per diems is the “Trypical Lodging” rate. These rates are available only to approved travelers such as employees, contractors, and board members of state entities – in other words, these are both the highest and best rates available for accommodations in major cities.
Calculating your optimal TLS rate depends on personal preference and budgetary constraints. Some options include using a travel agent or an online booking system. Furthermore, employers can assist with this process by providing approved TLS rates in your region. Doing so will give you insight into competitive TLS rates near you and save time in the long run by eliminating potential headaches later.
Maine
Travel reimbursement rates are set by federal agencies such as the General Services Administration (GSA) and Department of Defense (DoD) and apply to both CONUS (Continental United States) and OCONUS (Outside Continental United States) locations.
Rates are adjusted annually in December. The GSA website offers a convenient lookup tool to quickly determine your eligible per diem amount based on location and travel dates.
In Maine, employers are required to provide a per diem allowance to cover lodging costs when traveling on business. This allowance is divided into a maximum lodging allowance and meals and incidentals expenses (M&IE) rate.
Employees typically pay the total lodging rate when staying in an official travel destination. Depending on the area, other non-business-related costs like alcohol, entertainment, souvenirs, and postcards may not be included in this amount.
For the highest-paying Per Diem Occupational Therapist job opportunities in Maine, ZipRecruiter is your go-to source. They continuously scan millions of active jobs published across America to find the highest-paying jobs suited for you based on skill level, experience, and location. Per Diem, Occupational Therapist jobs average pay $76,946, but pay rates can vary significantly based on an individual’s skill set, location, and pay range.
Maryland
Maryland has earned its reputation as having numerous world-class museums, monuments, and landmarks. It also has some of America’s most scenic and engaging locales and plenty of posh restaurants and hotels. Unfortunately, Maryland also has its share of shortcomings – from a weak economy to an inadequate education system. That doesn’t make Maryland unattractive for visitors, but finding affordable activities may become increasingly challenging with decreasing options in Maryland. If you are planning a trip there soon, take advantage of all there is to do here!
Massachusetts
Employers in the United States often provide their employees with a daily allowance to cover lodging, meals, and incidentals (M&IE). These rates are set by the General Services Administration (GSA) on a county-by-county basis and tend to be higher than any state or local rates that companies can offer their employees. Nonetheless, certain cities and states may allow for higher per diem rates than GSA ones.
Per Diem Rates in Massachusetts is an effective way to reimburse employees for travel-related expenses. These daily allowances are calculated using the IRS Publication 1542 rate method, consisting of two parts: maximum lodging allowance and meals and incidentals component. Per Diem rates differ by location; those in Boston, Quincy, and Lowell typically offer higher average salaries than other cities within the state. Though salaries for Per Diem jobs in Massachusetts may exceed national averages, job prospects for these positions remain limited.
Michigan
Regarding per diem rates, you should be familiar with the standard rates established by the United States General Services Administration (GSA). These include a maximum lodging allowance and meals and incidentals expenses (M&IE) component. Furthermore, GSA sets an industry-wide mileage rate for business and medical uses; in 2025, this rate increased by 7 cents from 2024‘s pace.
For federal employees traveling in the continental United States (CONUS), a standard per diem rate applies. However, certain non-standard areas (NSAs) have higher per diem rates than this standard CONUS rate.
One of the essential considerations when planning your travel is knowing which National Security Area (NSA) you will visit. You can do this by comparing each destination’s per diem rates with the standard continental U.S. per diem rate; this will guarantee you the most advantageous per diem rate possible.
Minnesota
The General Services Administration (GSA) sets per diem rates for travel expenses within the continental United States each fiscal year. These rates reimburse federal employees for expenses incurred while on official business. They include a maximum lodging allowance and meals and incidentals expense (M&IE) component.
In 2025, most of the CONUS is covered by the standard CONUS per diem rate of $157 ($98 lodging and $59 M&IE). Furthermore, there are 316 non-standard areas (NSAs) with per diem rates higher than this standard rate.
When traveling to Minnesota, per diem rates can differ by city and county. Some towns offer fixed prices, while others adjust according to seasonal price changes.
When using per diems, check the GSA website for the accurate rate for your destination. The site also offers a per diem lookup tool that lets you search by state, county, and other data for the current or next fiscal year.
If you require further details, don’t hesitate to contact your employer’s Human Resources or Accounting departments.
Mississippi
The General Services Administration (GSA) sets per diem rates for travel within the Continental United States (CONUS). Each state has a standard per diem rate with a maximum lodging allowance, meals, and incidental expenses component (M&IE). Furthermore, these rates may vary by locality, including taxes or surcharges.
In Mississippi, most counties are covered by the standard CONUS per diem rate of $157 ($98 lodging and $59 M&IE). However, there are 316 non-standard areas (NSAs) with per diem rates higher than this standard rate. To check if your county is included in this rate bracket, search for your city and state where you work to see if there’s a match.
The GSA automatically calculates adjustments for travel days, provided meals, and correct rates based on when you are traveling. In addition, the M&IE rate is automatically adjusted depending on your locality of employment. You may also utilize our new per diem tool to calculate trip allowances.
Missouri
The General Services Administration (GSA) sets per diem rates for federal agencies to reimburse employees for subsistence expenses incurred while on official travel. The standard rate is $157, which includes a maximum lodging allowance component and meals and incidentals expenses (M&IEs) component.
The per diem rate has been used since the dawn of aviation and has become a staple part of business travel for most travelers. While average hotel room rate is often used to determine per diem rates, the GSA also considers factors like food and beverage costs, weather/traffic conditions, and local economic conditions.
In Missouri, federal travelers have several per diem options to choose from. Some agencies may prefer to reimburse state or local taxes instead of per diem reimbursements; therefore, consulting your agency fiscal staff is the best way to decide which option is right for you. Furthermore, GSA offers an invaluable tool for users to compare per diem rates between states and counties.
Montana
Montana lawmakers will likely vote against a bill that would increase their per diem rates during the 2025 legislative session. House Bill 28 would raise legislators’ lodging and meals to match federal per diem rates set for Helena: $107 daily for the place; $64 daily for meals and incidentals.
Lawmakers are expected to reject a bill that requires them to use federal mileage reimbursement rates instead of the state-set average in four surrounding states or an increase of 5% from the previous session, whichever is lower. The General Services Administration sets these federal per diem and mileage rates for travelers.
If traveling to a city is not on the standard list, refer to GSA’s Non-Standard Area (NSA) per diem rate table. It overviews 316 areas per diems higher than the standard CONUS rate.
When traveling outside the United States to a foreign country, obtain an itemized receipt for all meals consumed. Otherwise, your reimbursement will be calculated using the unfamiliar per diem rate applicable at that location.
Nebraska
Per diem rates is the maximum amount you can be reimbursed for food and lodging while traveling on official business. The General Services Administration (GSA) establishes these standardized rates each October for 48 contiguous states plus D.C.
The GSA also designates non-standard areas (NSAs), regions not covered by the standard rate but offer more than the average per diem rate for local hotels, restaurants, and attractions. In Nebraska, there are a few NSAs with location-specific per diem rates.
For instance, Omaha’s hotel and restaurant per diem rates are set annually, whereas the best meal rates can change significantly from month to month. For example, the most economical dinner and a show deal in town involve dining at an established museum restaurant!
At the University of Nebraska, we’ve used Concur for years to manage our travel expense reports. It provides a convenient way to store all your data in one place.
Nevada
The federal government sets per diem rates to reimburse employees for travel expenses. These rates include a maximum lodging allowance and meals and incidentals (M&IE) component.
Most areas in the continental United States (CONUS) are subject to these standard rates, which are published each fiscal year on the General Services Administration website and can be located by searching below with either your city and state or ZIP code.
Some areas, known as high-cost locales, have higher per diem limits for lodging, meals & expenses due to their higher cost of living. Nonetheless, the standard $157 per diem rate covers most of CONUS.
Employees traveling for business in Nevada can receive up to $150 in reimbursements for lodging and $59 for meals. Please be aware that these amounts may increase depending on the location and time of year.
Employees, in some cases, can use a prepaid company credit card to cover these expenses. These costs are classified as business expenses and not taxable by the Internal Revenue Service. Employers who fail to cover employee-related costs could face lawsuits and substantial punitive damages.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire boasts a population composed mainly of college graduates with an entrepreneurial spirit, making it no surprise that businesses look to New Hampshire for their next venture. This is especially true for companies that rely on talented local workers to generate income. One significant employer in the state is the University of New Hampshire – an accredited research and educational institution ranked among the best in America.
The University of New Hampshire offers a wealth of travel-related services and resources, such as insurance for travelers, flight tracking technology, and emergency assistance for faculty, staff, and students in need. And to top it off? Besides these cutting-edge programs, the University is committed to aiding employees with their other travel-related requirements. Utilizing these services will save time and money so you can focus on what matters most: your work.
New Jersey
The United States government sets federal agencies’ per diem rates to reimburse their employees for travel expenses incurred on business trips. These rates include a maximum lodging allowance component and meal and incidental expenses (M&IE) reimbursement tier.
For 2018, the standard per diem rate in CONUS (the continental United States) is $157. There are 361 non-standard areas (NSAs) with per diem rates higher than this and an overall standard per diem of $204. You can find up-to-date and accurate per diem rates on GSA’s SmartPay website by entering your ZIP code into the search box.
A per diem is an efficient and effective way for your company to reduce hotel and restaurant bills for employees while rewarding them for their hard work. The most efficient and effective way to do this is by assigning each employee a per diem rate, so they know how much money they can spend on food and drinks during their trip. Plus, with these funds, they can buy themselves something special as a memento of their accomplishment.
New Mexico
The General Services Administration (GSA) sets per diem rates annually for the Continental United States, covering 48 contiguous states plus Washington, DC. These rates consist of a maximum lodging allowance component, meals, and incidental expense components.
In 2025, the standard CONUS per diem rate was $157 ($98 lodging and $59 M&IE). Additionally, the GSA maintains a list of non-standard areas (NSAs) with per diem rates higher than the standard CONUS rate; there were 316 such NSAs in 2025 with lodging rates at or above 2024 levels.
Like most states in America, New Mexico has a per diem reimbursement system used by public officers and employees who travel on official business. Rates are determined according to federal cost accounting standards and the New Mexico Per Diem Act; however, certain cities in New Mexico offer higher per diems than others. It is wise to double-check these prices before leaving home and get an itemized receipt for all expenses incurred. Furthermore, many hotels provide complimentary breakfast or other benefits as an added incentive for travelers.
New York
New York State (NYS) reimburses its employees based on per diem rates set by the General Services Administration for travel within America. These rates consider the vast differences in living costs across states and cities and vary each year and month.
Federal agencies use per diem reimbursement rates to reimburse their employees for subsistence expenses incurred on official business, and private employers often follow suit. These rates include a maximum lodging allowance component and a meals and incidentals expenses (M&IE) component.
The standard CONUS (Continental United States) per diem rate is $157, which includes $98 for lodging and $59 for meals. This rate applies to most of CONUS (approximately 2,600 counties).
In the Contiguous United States (CONUS), there are 316 non-standard areas (NSAs) with per diem rates higher than the standard rate. These NSAs can be identified on the General Service Administration Office of Governmentwide Policy website.
North Carolina
The General Services Administration (GSA) sets per diem rates across the continental United States and overseas (CONUS or Contiguous United States). These rates include a maximum lodging allowance component and meals and incidentals expenses (M&IE) component. Additionally, various tools and resources are available from GSA to help maximize your per diem dollar.
One of the benefits of these rates is that they’re free for federal employees who can claim them on their tax returns. All you need to do to take advantage of this benefit is submit your travel expense form to your employer for reimbursement.
Discover which cities offer these competitive rates by searching your destination on our per diem tool or consulting your local government office. Alternatively, download our travel app, which works on all smartphone models, automatically calculates trip allowances, and provides relevant rates and citations for various destinations.