Panama City Per Diem Rate (FY2026)
Bay · Florida · Official U.S. GSA federal per diem
For fiscal year 2026, the GSA per diem rate for Panama City is $80/day for meals & incidental expenses (M&IE) and $110–$194/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 Panama City in June totals $1,136: $776 lodging (4 nights) + $360 M&IE (5 days, first & last day at 75%).
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Panama City lodging rate by month (FY2026)
Nightly lodging caps for Panama City. M&IE is flat at $80/day and does not change by month.
| Month | Lodging / night | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | $110 | Low |
| Feb | $110 | Low |
| Mar | $147 | · |
| Apr | $147 | · |
| May | $147 | · |
| Jun | $194 | Peak |
| Jul | $194 | Peak |
| Aug | $110 | Low |
| Sep | $110 | Low |
| Oct | $110 | Low |
| Nov | $110 | Low |
| Dec | $110 | Low |
How does Panama City compare with other Florida per diem areas?
Panama City ranks #16 of 22 Florida non-standard per diem areas by peak lodging cap, at $194/night — $28 below the state's $222/night NSA average.
Lodging in Panama City swings 76% across the year — from $110/night in January to $194/night in June — so the same 4-night stay reimburses $336 more at the peak. M&IE stays flat at $80/day regardless of season.
Flexible on location? The next cheaper Florida area is Punta Gorda at $192/night peak, and the next step up is Tampa / St. Petersburg at $200/night.
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Panama City per diem FAQ
- What is the per diem rate for Panama City?
- For FY2026, the GSA per diem rate for Panama City, Florida is $80 per day for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) and $110–$194/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 Panama City?
- $80 per day for FY2026: $20 breakfast, $22 lunch, $33 dinner and $5 incidentals. The first and last day of travel reimburse at 75%, or $60.
- Why does lodging per diem in Panama City change by month?
- GSA sets seasonal lodging caps for high-demand areas. In Panama City, lodging is highest in June at $194/night and lowest in January at $110/night. M&IE stays flat at $80/day all year.
- What is the tax-free travel nurse stipend cap in Panama City?
- Tax-free housing and meal stipends for travel nurses are capped at the GSA per diem for the assignment location. In Panama City the full daily cap is up to $274 (peak-month lodging + $80 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.