District of Columbia Per Diem Rates (FY2026)
District of Columbia has 1 GSA non-standard per diem area for FY2026. Everywhere else uses the standard $178/day rate ($110 lodging + $68 M&IE). The most expensive is District of Columbia — up to $276/night lodging in March plus $92/day M&IE.
| Area | M&IE / day | Lodging / night | Peak month |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of ColumbiaWashington DC (also the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church and Fairfax, and the counties of Arlington and Fairfax, in Virginia; and the counties of Montgomery and Prince George's in Maryland) | $92 | $183–$276 | Mar |
| All other District of Columbia locationsstandard rate | $68 | $110 | flat |
Estimated trip cost
A 4-night business trip to District of Columbia — District of Columbia's most expensive per diem area — in March totals $1,518: $1,104 lodging (4 nights) + $414 M&IE (5 days, first & last day at 75%). District of Columbia month-by-month rates →
Book within the District of Columbia lodging cap
Otto finds hotels at or under the GSA lodging cap for your District of Columbia destination — $110/night at the standard rate, higher in the 1 listed area — and books them for you.
District of Columbia per diem FAQ
- What is the per diem rate in District of Columbia?
- District of Columbia has 1 GSA non-standard per diem area with their own rates for FY2026. Everywhere else in District of Columbia uses the standard CONUS rate of $178 per day: $110 for lodging plus $68 for meals & incidental expenses (M&IE).
- What is the meal reimbursement (M&IE) rate in District of Columbia?
- Meal reimbursement in District of Columbia ranges from $68 to $92 per day for FY2026, depending on the area. The first and last day of travel reimburse at 75% of the daily M&IE rate.