What Is the Per Diem Calculator?
The Per Diem Calculator is a free online tool designed for users who need quick, accurate calculations in the practical calculation space. By entering your city / area, number of travel days, reimbursement type, you get instant results including daily lodging rate, daily m&ie rate, total daily per diem. No formulas to memorize, no spreadsheets to build — just enter your numbers and get the answer in seconds. Whether you're a beginner or experienced professional, this calculator saves you time and eliminates guesswork.
Why This Calculation Matters
Getting daily lodging rate right can make the difference between success and costly mistakes. In practical calculation, small errors compound quickly. Manual calculations are error-prone and time-consuming, especially under pressure. This calculator applies proven formulas used by users worldwide, giving you confidence that your numbers are correct. Use it to get accurate results with precision and avoid common pitfalls that trip up beginners.
When Should You Use This Calculator?
This tool is most useful when you know your city / area and need to find the right daily lodging rate. It's also great for quick estimates before committing to a decision, and to double-check manual calculations or professional quotes, and when comparing different scenarios side by side. Bookmark this page and come back whenever you need a fast, reliable answer — the calculator is always free and requires no signup.
Per Diem Calculator
M&IE Breakdown
GSA Per Diem Rates — Major Cities
Approximate daily rates for lodging and M&IE (rates updated annually)
| City | Lodging | M&IE | Total Daily |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City, NY | $282 | $79 | $361 |
| San Francisco, CA | $311 | $79 | $390 |
| Washington, DC | $256 | $79 | $335 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $209 | $74 | $283 |
| Chicago, IL | $229 | $79 | $308 |
| Boston, MA | $265 | $79 | $344 |
| Seattle, WA | $222 | $74 | $296 |
| Miami, FL | $196 | $74 | $270 |
| Denver, CO | $199 | $74 | $273 |
| Atlanta, GA | $159 | $69 | $228 |
| Standard CONUS | $107 | $59 | $166 |
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter Your City / Area: Type or select your city / area in the field provided. Use the most accurate value available for best results.
- Enter Your Number of Travel Days: Type or select your number of travel days in the field provided. Use the most accurate value available for best results.
- Enter Your Reimbursement Type: Type or select your reimbursement type in the field provided. Use the most accurate value available for best results.
- Click Calculate: Hit the Calculate button to run the numbers. Results appear instantly below.
- Review Your Results: Check your daily lodging rate, daily m&ie rate, total daily per diem. Use these figures to inform your next decision or compare against alternative scenarios.
How It Works
Per diem rates are set by the General Services Administration (GSA) and determine how much federal employees and contractors can be reimbursed for travel expenses.
The basic rule:
- Rates consist of two parts: lodging and M&IE (meals and incidental expenses)
- Standard CONUS rate: $107 lodging + $59 M&IE = $166/day
- High-cost cities: $200–$350+ lodging + $64–$79 M&IE
- First and last travel days are reimbursed at 75% of M&IE
Many private employers also use GSA rates as a basis for their travel reimbursement policies. Per diem paid at or below GSA rates is generally not taxable income.
Tips & Considerations
- Double-check your city / area before calculating — even small input errors can significantly change your results.
- Run the calculator with different values to compare scenarios and find the optimal approach for your situation.
- Pay attention to both daily lodging rate and daily m&ie rate — they work together to give you the full picture.
- Bookmark this page for quick access next time you need to get accurate results.
- If you're unsure about your reimbursement type, start with a conservative estimate and adjust from there.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is per diem?
Per diem (Latin for 'per day') is a daily allowance for travel expenses including lodging, meals, and incidental expenses. The GSA sets per diem rates for federal travel within the continental US (CONUS), and many private employers use these rates as well.
What does M&IE include?
M&IE stands for Meals and Incidental Expenses. It covers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and incidentals such as tips to porters, baggage carriers, and hotel staff. M&IE does not cover transportation, laundry, or other non-meal expenses.
Is per diem taxable?
Per diem paid at or below GSA rates is generally not taxable income for employees. However, if your employer pays more than the GSA rate, the excess is taxable. Self-employed individuals can deduct actual expenses or use per diem rates for meals only.
Do I get full per diem on travel days?
The first and last day of travel are typically reimbursed at 75% of the M&IE rate. Full lodging is provided for nights you're away. Some employers reimburse full per diem for all days regardless.
How often do GSA per diem rates change?
GSA updates per diem rates annually, effective October 1 of each year (the start of the federal fiscal year). Rates are based on average daily rate data from lodging industry surveys. Some high-cost areas are adjusted more frequently.
Can I keep unused per diem money?
If your employer provides a flat per diem allowance, you can keep the difference if you spend less. If your employer requires receipts for actual expenses, you can only claim what you spent up to the per diem limit. Federal employees follow specific accountability rules.