Aspen Per Diem Rate (FY2026)
Pitkin · Colorado · Official U.S. GSA federal per diem
For fiscal year 2026, the GSA per diem rate for Aspen is $92/day for meals & incidental expenses (M&IE) and $207–$407/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 April.
A 4-night business trip to Aspen in January totals $2,042: $1,628 lodging (4 nights) + $414 M&IE (5 days, first & last day at 75%).
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Aspen lodging rate by month (FY2026)
Nightly lodging caps for Aspen. M&IE is flat at $92/day and does not change by month.
| Month | Lodging / night | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | $407 | Peak |
| Feb | $407 | Peak |
| Mar | $407 | Peak |
| Apr | $207 | Low |
| May | $207 | Low |
| Jun | $207 | Low |
| Jul | $207 | Low |
| Aug | $207 | Low |
| Sep | $207 | Low |
| Oct | $207 | Low |
| Nov | $207 | Low |
| Dec | $407 | Peak |
How does Aspen compare with other Colorado per diem areas?
Aspen is the most expensive per diem area in Colorado for FY2026: its $407/night peak lodging cap tops the state's 15 non-standard areas, $181 above the state's $226/night NSA average.
Lodging in Aspen swings 97% across the year — from $207/night in April to $407/night in January — so the same 4-night stay reimburses $800 more at the peak. M&IE stays flat at $92/day regardless of season.
The next cheaper Colorado area is Vail at $397/night peak; every unlisted Colorado location falls back to the $110 standard rate.
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Aspen per diem FAQ
- What is the per diem rate for Aspen?
- For FY2026, the GSA per diem rate for Aspen, Colorado is $92 per day for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) and $207–$407/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 Aspen?
- $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 Aspen the most expensive per diem area in Colorado?
- Yes. By peak lodging cap, Aspen tops the 15 non-standard areas GSA lists in Colorado for FY2026 at $407/night — $297 above the $110 standard cap. Its full daily rate reaches $499 with M&IE included.
- Why does lodging per diem in Aspen change by month?
- GSA sets seasonal lodging caps for high-demand areas. In Aspen, lodging is highest in January at $407/night and lowest in April at $207/night. M&IE stays flat at $92/day all year.
- What is the tax-free travel nurse stipend cap in Aspen?
- Tax-free housing and meal stipends for travel nurses are capped at the GSA per diem for the assignment location. In Aspen the full daily cap is up to $499 (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.