Gulf Shores Per Diem Rate (FY2026)
Baldwin · Alabama · Official U.S. GSA federal per diem
For fiscal year 2026, the GSA per diem rate for Gulf Shores is $74/day for meals & incidental expenses (M&IE) and $134–$216/night for lodging depending on the month, compared with the standard $178/day CONUS rate ($110 lodging + $68 M&IE). Lodging peaks in June and is lowest in January.
A 4-night business trip to Gulf Shores in June totals $1,197: $864 lodging (4 nights) + $333 M&IE (5 days, first & last day at 75%).
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Gulf Shores lodging rate by month (FY2026)
Nightly lodging caps for Gulf Shores. M&IE is flat at $74/day and does not change by month.
| Month | Lodging / night | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | $134 | Low |
| Feb | $134 | Low |
| Mar | $163 | · |
| Apr | $163 | · |
| May | $163 | · |
| Jun | $216 | Peak |
| Jul | $216 | Peak |
| Aug | $134 | Low |
| Sep | $134 | Low |
| Oct | $134 | Low |
| Nov | $134 | Low |
| Dec | $134 | Low |
How does Gulf Shores compare with other Alabama per diem areas?
Gulf Shores is the most expensive per diem area in Alabama for FY2026: its $216/night peak lodging cap tops the state's 4 non-standard areas, $67 above the state's $149/night NSA average.
Lodging in Gulf Shores swings 61% across the year — from $134/night in January to $216/night in June — so the same 4-night stay reimburses $328 more at the peak. M&IE stays flat at $74/day regardless of season.
The next cheaper Alabama area is Huntsville at $141/night peak; every unlisted Alabama location falls back to the $110 standard rate.
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Gulf Shores per diem FAQ
- What is the per diem rate for Gulf Shores?
- For FY2026, the GSA per diem rate for Gulf Shores, Alabama is $74 per day for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) and $134–$216/night for lodging depending on the month. The standard CONUS rate, for comparison, is $178 per day ($110 lodging + $68 M&IE).
- What is the meal reimbursement (M&IE) rate in Gulf Shores?
- $74 per day for FY2026: $18 breakfast, $20 lunch, $31 dinner and $5 incidentals. The first and last day of travel reimburse at 75%, or $55.50.
- Is Gulf Shores the most expensive per diem area in Alabama?
- Yes. By peak lodging cap, Gulf Shores tops the 4 non-standard areas GSA lists in Alabama for FY2026 at $216/night — $106 above the $110 standard cap. Its full daily rate reaches $290 with M&IE included.
- Why does lodging per diem in Gulf Shores change by month?
- GSA sets seasonal lodging caps for high-demand areas. In Gulf Shores, lodging is highest in June at $216/night and lowest in January at $134/night. M&IE stays flat at $74/day all year.
- What is the tax-free travel nurse stipend cap in Gulf Shores?
- Tax-free housing and meal stipends for travel nurses are capped at the GSA per diem for the assignment location. In Gulf Shores the full daily cap is up to $290 (peak-month lodging + $74 M&IE). The portion above the GSA rate is taxable wages, and the stipend is only tax-free at all if you maintain a qualifying tax home.