San Diego Per Diem Rate (FY2026)
San Diego · California · Official U.S. GSA federal per diem
For fiscal year 2026, the GSA per diem rate for San Diego is $86/day for meals & incidental expenses (M&IE) and $199–$237/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 San Diego in June totals $1,335: $948 lodging (4 nights) + $387 M&IE (5 days, first & last day at 75%).
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San Diego lodging rate by month (FY2026)
Nightly lodging caps for San Diego. M&IE is flat at $86/day and does not change by month.
| Month | Lodging / night | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | $199 | Low |
| Feb | $199 | Low |
| Mar | $199 | Low |
| Apr | $199 | Low |
| May | $199 | Low |
| Jun | $237 | Peak |
| Jul | $237 | Peak |
| Aug | $199 | Low |
| Sep | $199 | Low |
| Oct | $199 | Low |
| Nov | $199 | Low |
| Dec | $199 | Low |
How does San Diego compare with other California per diem areas?
San Diego ranks #7 of 32 California non-standard per diem areas by peak lodging cap, at $237/night — $56 above the state's $181/night NSA average.
Lodging in San Diego swings 19% across the year — from $199/night in January to $237/night in June — so the same 4-night stay reimburses $152 more at the peak. M&IE stays flat at $86/day regardless of season.
Flexible on location? The next cheaper California area is Yosemite National Park at $203/night peak, and the next step up is Napa at $246/night.
Book within the San Diego lodging cap
Otto finds hotels in San Diego at or under your $199–$237/night GSA lodging cap — and books them for you.
San Diego per diem FAQ
- What is the per diem rate for San Diego?
- For FY2026, the GSA per diem rate for San Diego, California is $86 per day for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) and $199–$237/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 San Diego?
- $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 San Diego change by month?
- GSA sets seasonal lodging caps for high-demand areas. In San Diego, lodging is highest in June at $237/night and lowest in January at $199/night. M&IE stays flat at $86/day all year.
- What is the tax-free travel nurse stipend cap in San Diego?
- Tax-free housing and meal stipends for travel nurses are capped at the GSA per diem for the assignment location. In San Diego the full daily cap is up to $323 (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.