Cortez Per Diem Rate (FY2026)
Montezuma · Colorado · Official U.S. GSA federal per diem
For fiscal year 2026, the GSA per diem rate for Cortez is $74/day for meals & incidental expenses (M&IE) and $110–$133/night for lodging depending on the month, compared with the standard $178/day CONUS rate ($110 lodging + $68 M&IE). Lodging peaks in May and is lowest in January.
A 4-night business trip to Cortez in May totals $865: $532 lodging (4 nights) + $333 M&IE (5 days, first & last day at 75%).
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Cortez lodging rate by month (FY2026)
Nightly lodging caps for Cortez. M&IE is flat at $74/day and does not change by month.
| Month | Lodging / night | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | $110 | Low |
| Feb | $110 | Low |
| Mar | $110 | Low |
| Apr | $110 | Low |
| May | $133 | Peak |
| Jun | $133 | Peak |
| Jul | $133 | Peak |
| Aug | $133 | Peak |
| Sep | $133 | Peak |
| Oct | $133 | Peak |
| Nov | $110 | Low |
| Dec | $110 | Low |
How does Cortez compare with other Colorado per diem areas?
Cortez has the lowest peak lodging cap of the 15 non-standard per diem areas in Colorado — $133/night, $93 below the state's $226/night NSA average, yet still $23 above the $110 standard rate.
Lodging in Cortez swings 21% across the year — from $110/night in January to $133/night in May — so the same 4-night stay reimburses $92 more at the peak. M&IE stays flat at $74/day regardless of season.
Below Cortez, every unlisted Colorado location falls back to the $110 standard rate; the next step up in-state is Fort Collins / Loveland at $140/night.
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Cortez per diem FAQ
- What is the per diem rate for Cortez?
- For FY2026, the GSA per diem rate for Cortez, Colorado is $74 per day for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) and $110–$133/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 Cortez?
- $74 per day for FY2026: $18 breakfast, $20 lunch, $31 dinner and $5 incidentals. The first and last day of travel reimburse at 75%, or $55.50.
- Why does lodging per diem in Cortez change by month?
- GSA sets seasonal lodging caps for high-demand areas. In Cortez, lodging is highest in May at $133/night and lowest in January at $110/night. M&IE stays flat at $74/day all year.
- What is the tax-free travel nurse stipend cap in Cortez?
- Tax-free housing and meal stipends for travel nurses are capped at the GSA per diem for the assignment location. In Cortez the full daily cap is up to $207 (peak-month lodging + $74 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.