Atlanta Per Diem Rate (FY2026)
Fulton / Dekalb · Georgia · Official U.S. GSA federal per diem
For fiscal year 2026, the GSA per diem rate for Atlanta is $86/day for meals & incidental expenses (M&IE) and $182–$197/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 Atlanta in January totals $1,175: $788 lodging (4 nights) + $387 M&IE (5 days, first & last day at 75%).
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Atlanta lodging rate by month (FY2026)
Nightly lodging caps for Atlanta. M&IE is flat at $86/day and does not change by month.
| Month | Lodging / night | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | $197 | Peak |
| Feb | $197 | Peak |
| Mar | $197 | Peak |
| Apr | $182 | Low |
| May | $182 | Low |
| Jun | $182 | Low |
| Jul | $182 | Low |
| Aug | $182 | Low |
| Sep | $182 | Low |
| Oct | $182 | Low |
| Nov | $182 | Low |
| Dec | $182 | Low |
How does Atlanta compare with other Georgia per diem areas?
Atlanta ranks #2 of 6 Georgia non-standard per diem areas by peak lodging cap, at $197/night — $33 above the state's $164/night NSA average.
Lodging in Atlanta swings 8% across the year — from $182/night in April to $197/night in January — so the same 4-night stay reimburses $60 more at the peak. M&IE stays flat at $86/day regardless of season.
Flexible on location? The next cheaper Georgia area is Savannah at $176/night peak, and the next step up is Jekyll Island / Brunswick at $223/night.
Book within the Atlanta lodging cap
Otto finds hotels in Atlanta at or under your $182–$197/night GSA lodging cap — and books them for you.
Atlanta per diem FAQ
- What is the per diem rate for Atlanta?
- For FY2026, the GSA per diem rate for Atlanta, Georgia is $86 per day for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) and $182–$197/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 Atlanta?
- $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 Atlanta change by month?
- GSA sets seasonal lodging caps for high-demand areas. In Atlanta, lodging is highest in January at $197/night and lowest in April at $182/night. M&IE stays flat at $86/day all year.
- What is the tax-free travel nurse stipend cap in Atlanta?
- Tax-free housing and meal stipends for travel nurses are capped at the GSA per diem for the assignment location. In Atlanta the full daily cap is up to $283 (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.