Phoenix / Scottsdale Per Diem Rate (FY2026)
Maricopa · Arizona · Official U.S. GSA federal per diem
For fiscal year 2026, the GSA per diem rate for Phoenix / Scottsdale is $86/day for meals & incidental expenses (M&IE) and $113–$229/night for lodging depending on the month, compared with the standard $178/day CONUS rate ($110 lodging + $68 M&IE). Lodging peaks in February and is lowest in June.
A 4-night business trip to Phoenix / Scottsdale in February totals $1,303: $916 lodging (4 nights) + $387 M&IE (5 days, first & last day at 75%).
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Phoenix / Scottsdale lodging rate by month (FY2026)
Nightly lodging caps for Phoenix / Scottsdale. M&IE is flat at $86/day and does not change by month.
| Month | Lodging / night | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | $160 | · |
| Feb | $229 | Peak |
| Mar | $229 | Peak |
| Apr | $161 | · |
| May | $161 | · |
| Jun | $113 | Low |
| Jul | $113 | Low |
| Aug | $113 | Low |
| Sep | $160 | · |
| Oct | $160 | · |
| Nov | $160 | · |
| Dec | $160 | · |
How does Phoenix / Scottsdale compare with other Arizona per diem areas?
Phoenix / Scottsdale ranks #2 of 5 Arizona non-standard per diem areas by peak lodging cap, at $229/night — $36 above the state's $193/night NSA average.
Lodging in Phoenix / Scottsdale swings 103% across the year — from $113/night in June to $229/night in February — so the same 4-night stay reimburses $464 more at the peak. M&IE stays flat at $86/day regardless of season.
Flexible on location? The next cheaper Arizona area is Tucson at $171/night peak, and the next step up is Sedona at $274/night.
Book within the Phoenix / Scottsdale lodging cap
Otto finds hotels in Phoenix / Scottsdale at or under your $113–$229/night GSA lodging cap — and books them for you.
Phoenix / Scottsdale per diem FAQ
- What is the per diem rate for Phoenix / Scottsdale?
- For FY2026, the GSA per diem rate for Phoenix / Scottsdale, Arizona is $86 per day for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) and $113–$229/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 Phoenix / Scottsdale?
- $86 per day for FY2026: $22 breakfast, $23 lunch, $36 dinner and $5 incidentals. The first and last day of travel reimburse at 75%, or $64.50.
- Why does lodging per diem in Phoenix / Scottsdale change by month?
- GSA sets seasonal lodging caps for high-demand areas. In Phoenix / Scottsdale, lodging is highest in February at $229/night and lowest in June at $113/night. M&IE stays flat at $86/day all year.
- What is the tax-free travel nurse stipend cap in Phoenix / Scottsdale?
- Tax-free housing and meal stipends for travel nurses are capped at the GSA per diem for the assignment location. In Phoenix / Scottsdale the full daily cap is up to $315 (peak-month lodging + $86 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.