New Orleans Per Diem Rate (FY2026)
Orleans / Jefferson Parishes · Louisiana · Official U.S. GSA federal per diem
For fiscal year 2026, the GSA per diem rate for New Orleans is $80/day for meals & incidental expenses (M&IE) and $133–$179/night for lodging depending on the month, compared with the standard $178/day CONUS rate ($110 lodging + $68 M&IE). Lodging peaks in February and is lowest in June.
A 4-night business trip to New Orleans in February totals $1,076: $716 lodging (4 nights) + $360 M&IE (5 days, first & last day at 75%).
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New Orleans lodging rate by month (FY2026)
Nightly lodging caps for New Orleans. M&IE is flat at $80/day and does not change by month.
| Month | Lodging / night | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | $157 | · |
| Feb | $179 | Peak |
| Mar | $179 | Peak |
| Apr | $179 | Peak |
| May | $179 | Peak |
| Jun | $133 | Low |
| Jul | $133 | Low |
| Aug | $133 | Low |
| Sep | $157 | · |
| Oct | $157 | · |
| Nov | $157 | · |
| Dec | $157 | · |
How does New Orleans compare with other Louisiana per diem areas?
New Orleans is the most expensive per diem area in Louisiana for FY2026: its $179/night peak lodging cap tops the state's 2 non-standard areas, $33 above the state's $146/night NSA average.
Lodging in New Orleans swings 35% across the year — from $133/night in June to $179/night in February — so the same 4-night stay reimburses $184 more at the peak. M&IE stays flat at $80/day regardless of season.
The next cheaper Louisiana area is Alexandria / Leesville / Natchitoches at $112/night peak; every unlisted Louisiana location falls back to the $110 standard rate.
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New Orleans per diem FAQ
- What is the per diem rate for New Orleans?
- For FY2026, the GSA per diem rate for New Orleans, Louisiana is $80 per day for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) and $133–$179/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 New Orleans?
- $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.
- Is New Orleans the most expensive per diem area in Louisiana?
- Yes. By peak lodging cap, New Orleans tops the 2 non-standard areas GSA lists in Louisiana for FY2026 at $179/night — $69 above the $110 standard cap. Its full daily rate reaches $259 with M&IE included.
- Why does lodging per diem in New Orleans change by month?
- GSA sets seasonal lodging caps for high-demand areas. In New Orleans, lodging is highest in February at $179/night and lowest in June at $133/night. M&IE stays flat at $80/day all year.
- What is the tax-free travel nurse stipend cap in New Orleans?
- Tax-free housing and meal stipends for travel nurses are capped at the GSA per diem for the assignment location. In New Orleans the full daily cap is up to $259 (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.