Monterey Per Diem Rate (FY2026)
Monterey · California · Official U.S. GSA federal per diem
For fiscal year 2026, the GSA per diem rate for Monterey is $92/day for meals & incidental expenses (M&IE) and $191–$279/night for lodging depending on the month, compared with the standard $178/day CONUS rate ($110 lodging + $68 M&IE). Lodging peaks in July and is lowest in January.
A 4-night business trip to Monterey in July totals $1,530: $1,116 lodging (4 nights) + $414 M&IE (5 days, first & last day at 75%).
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Monterey lodging rate by month (FY2026)
Nightly lodging caps for Monterey. M&IE is flat at $92/day and does not change by month.
| Month | Lodging / night | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | $191 | Low |
| Feb | $199 | · |
| Mar | $199 | · |
| Apr | $199 | · |
| May | $199 | · |
| Jun | $199 | · |
| Jul | $279 | Peak |
| Aug | $279 | Peak |
| Sep | $191 | Low |
| Oct | $191 | Low |
| Nov | $191 | Low |
| Dec | $191 | Low |
How does Monterey compare with other California per diem areas?
Monterey is the most expensive per diem area in California for FY2026: its $279/night peak lodging cap tops the state's 32 non-standard areas, $98 above the state's $181/night NSA average.
Lodging in Monterey swings 46% across the year — from $191/night in January to $279/night in July — so the same 4-night stay reimburses $352 more at the peak. M&IE stays flat at $92/day regardless of season.
The next cheaper California area is Santa Monica at $273/night peak; every unlisted California location falls back to the $110 standard rate.
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Monterey per diem FAQ
- What is the per diem rate for Monterey?
- For FY2026, the GSA per diem rate for Monterey, California is $92 per day for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) and $191–$279/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 Monterey?
- $92 per day for FY2026: $23 breakfast, $26 lunch, $38 dinner and $5 incidentals. The first and last day of travel reimburse at 75%, or $69.
- Is Monterey the most expensive per diem area in California?
- Yes. By peak lodging cap, Monterey tops the 32 non-standard areas GSA lists in California for FY2026 at $279/night — $169 above the $110 standard cap. Its full daily rate reaches $371 with M&IE included.
- Why does lodging per diem in Monterey change by month?
- GSA sets seasonal lodging caps for high-demand areas. In Monterey, lodging is highest in July at $279/night and lowest in January at $191/night. M&IE stays flat at $92/day all year.
- What is the tax-free travel nurse stipend cap in Monterey?
- Tax-free housing and meal stipends for travel nurses are capped at the GSA per diem for the assignment location. In Monterey the full daily cap is up to $371 (peak-month lodging + $92 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.