Chicago Per Diem Rate (FY2026)
Cook / Lake · Illinois · Official U.S. GSA federal per diem
For fiscal year 2026, the GSA per diem rate for Chicago is $92/day for meals & incidental expenses (M&IE) and $142–$234/night for lodging depending on the month, compared with the standard $178/day CONUS rate ($110 lodging + $68 M&IE). Lodging peaks in April and is lowest in January.
A 4-night business trip to Chicago in April totals $1,350: $936 lodging (4 nights) + $414 M&IE (5 days, first & last day at 75%).
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Chicago lodging rate by month (FY2026)
Nightly lodging caps for Chicago. M&IE is flat at $92/day and does not change by month.
| Month | Lodging / night | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | $142 | Low |
| Feb | $142 | Low |
| Mar | $142 | Low |
| Apr | $234 | Peak |
| May | $234 | Peak |
| Jun | $234 | Peak |
| Jul | $202 | · |
| Aug | $202 | · |
| Sep | $223 | · |
| Oct | $223 | · |
| Nov | $223 | · |
| Dec | $142 | Low |
How does Chicago compare with other Illinois per diem areas?
Chicago is the most expensive per diem area in Illinois for FY2026: its $234/night peak lodging cap tops the state's 4 non-standard areas, $81 above the state's $153/night NSA average.
Lodging in Chicago swings 65% across the year — from $142/night in January to $234/night in April — so the same 4-night stay reimburses $368 more at the peak. M&IE stays flat at $92/day regardless of season.
The next cheaper Illinois area is East St. Louis / O'Fallon / Fairview Heights at $150/night peak; every unlisted Illinois location falls back to the $110 standard rate.
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Chicago per diem FAQ
- What is the per diem rate for Chicago?
- For FY2026, the GSA per diem rate for Chicago, Illinois is $92 per day for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) and $142–$234/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 Chicago?
- $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 Chicago the most expensive per diem area in Illinois?
- Yes. By peak lodging cap, Chicago tops the 4 non-standard areas GSA lists in Illinois for FY2026 at $234/night — $124 above the $110 standard cap. Its full daily rate reaches $326 with M&IE included.
- Why does lodging per diem in Chicago change by month?
- GSA sets seasonal lodging caps for high-demand areas. In Chicago, lodging is highest in April at $234/night and lowest in January at $142/night. M&IE stays flat at $92/day all year.
- What is the tax-free travel nurse stipend cap in Chicago?
- Tax-free housing and meal stipends for travel nurses are capped at the GSA per diem for the assignment location. In Chicago the full daily cap is up to $326 (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.