Boston / Cambridge Per Diem Rate (FY2026)
Suffolk, city of Cambridge · Massachusetts · Official U.S. GSA federal per diem
For fiscal year 2026, the GSA per diem rate for Boston / Cambridge is $92/day for meals & incidental expenses (M&IE) and $209–$349/night for lodging depending on the month, compared with the standard $178/day CONUS rate ($110 lodging + $68 M&IE). Lodging peaks in September and is lowest in January.
A 4-night business trip to Boston / Cambridge in September totals $1,810: $1,396 lodging (4 nights) + $414 M&IE (5 days, first & last day at 75%).
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Boston / Cambridge lodging rate by month (FY2026)
Nightly lodging caps for Boston / Cambridge. M&IE is flat at $92/day and does not change by month.
| Month | Lodging / night | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | $209 | Low |
| Feb | $209 | Low |
| Mar | $291 | · |
| Apr | $291 | · |
| May | $291 | · |
| Jun | $291 | · |
| Jul | $291 | · |
| Aug | $291 | · |
| Sep | $349 | Peak |
| Oct | $349 | Peak |
| Nov | $209 | Low |
| Dec | $209 | Low |
How does Boston / Cambridge compare with other Massachusetts per diem areas?
Boston / Cambridge ranks #3 of 13 Massachusetts non-standard per diem areas by peak lodging cap, at $349/night — $121 above the state's $228/night NSA average.
Lodging in Boston / Cambridge swings 67% across the year — from $209/night in January to $349/night in September — so the same 4-night stay reimburses $560 more at the peak. M&IE stays flat at $92/day regardless of season.
Flexible on location? The next cheaper Massachusetts area is Falmouth at $253/night peak, and the next step up is Martha's Vineyard at $462/night.
Book within the Boston / Cambridge lodging cap
Otto finds hotels in Boston / Cambridge at or under your $209–$349/night GSA lodging cap — and books them for you.
Boston / Cambridge per diem FAQ
- What is the per diem rate for Boston / Cambridge?
- For FY2026, the GSA per diem rate for Boston / Cambridge, Massachusetts is $92 per day for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) and $209–$349/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 Boston / Cambridge?
- $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.
- Why does lodging per diem in Boston / Cambridge change by month?
- GSA sets seasonal lodging caps for high-demand areas. In Boston / Cambridge, lodging is highest in September at $349/night and lowest in January at $209/night. M&IE stays flat at $92/day all year.
- What is the tax-free travel nurse stipend cap in Boston / Cambridge?
- Tax-free housing and meal stipends for travel nurses are capped at the GSA per diem for the assignment location. In Boston / Cambridge the full daily cap is up to $441 (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.