What per diem covers, and what it does not

A GSA CONUS record contains a nightly lodging ceiling and a daily meals and incidental expenses allowance, usually shortened to M&IE. They are not interchangeable. Under the ordinary federal method, lodging is reimbursed at the eligible actual cost up to the applicable ceiling. M&IE is calculated under the meal allowance rules.

For a standard-rate location in FY2027, the figures are $113 for lodging and $68 for a full meal day. Adding them gives $181, but that figure alone cannot calculate a trip: travel days have reduced meals and the return day usually has no hotel night.

Airfare, mileage, taxis, parking and eligible lodging taxes are separate from the two amounts shown in the directory. They are excluded from this site’s trip total. A hotel’s advertised government rate is also a room offer, not a separate GSA allowance.

Meal taxes and tips are already included in M&IE. The incidental component covers the types of small fees and tips defined in the Federal Travel Regulation; it is not a general budget for every incidental purchase.

1. Identify the work location and read its county definition.
2. Select the fiscal year covering your dates.
3. Check the monthly lodging ceiling.
4. Count nights and meal days separately, then apply the travel-day and provided-meal rules.

Your employer or agency may have a different authorized method. A public lookup supplies reference rates, not approval to incur an expense.