South Lake Tahoe Per Diem Rate (FY2026)
El Dorado · California · Official U.S. GSA federal per diem
For fiscal year 2026, the GSA per diem rate for South Lake Tahoe is $86/day for meals & incidental expenses (M&IE) and $141–$247/night for lodging depending on the month, compared with the standard $178/day CONUS rate ($110 lodging + $68 M&IE). Lodging peaks in January and is lowest in September.
A 4-night business trip to South Lake Tahoe in January totals $1,375: $988 lodging (4 nights) + $387 M&IE (5 days, first & last day at 75%).
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South Lake Tahoe lodging rate by month (FY2026)
Nightly lodging caps for South Lake Tahoe. M&IE is flat at $86/day and does not change by month.
| Month | Lodging / night | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | $247 | Peak |
| Feb | $247 | Peak |
| Mar | $247 | Peak |
| Apr | $143 | · |
| May | $143 | · |
| Jun | $171 | · |
| Jul | $171 | · |
| Aug | $171 | · |
| Sep | $141 | Low |
| Oct | $141 | Low |
| Nov | $141 | Low |
| Dec | $247 | Peak |
How does South Lake Tahoe compare with other California per diem areas?
South Lake Tahoe ranks #5 of 32 California non-standard per diem areas by peak lodging cap, at $247/night — $66 above the state's $181/night NSA average.
Lodging in South Lake Tahoe swings 75% across the year — from $141/night in September to $247/night in January — so the same 4-night stay reimburses $424 more at the peak. M&IE stays flat at $86/day regardless of season.
Flexible on location? The next cheaper California area is Napa at $246/night peak, and the next step up is Santa Barbara at $262/night.
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South Lake Tahoe per diem FAQ
- What is the per diem rate for South Lake Tahoe?
- For FY2026, the GSA per diem rate for South Lake Tahoe, California is $86 per day for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) and $141–$247/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 South Lake Tahoe?
- $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 South Lake Tahoe change by month?
- GSA sets seasonal lodging caps for high-demand areas. In South Lake Tahoe, lodging is highest in January at $247/night and lowest in September at $141/night. M&IE stays flat at $86/day all year.
- What is the tax-free travel nurse stipend cap in South Lake Tahoe?
- Tax-free housing and meal stipends for travel nurses are capped at the GSA per diem for the assignment location. In South Lake Tahoe the full daily cap is up to $333 (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.