Big Sky / West Yellowstone/Gardiner Per Diem Rate (FY2026)
Gallatin/Park · Montana · Official U.S. GSA federal per diem
For fiscal year 2026, the GSA per diem rate for Big Sky / West Yellowstone/Gardiner is $80/day for meals & incidental expenses (M&IE) and $176–$310/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 Big Sky / West Yellowstone/Gardiner in June totals $1,600: $1,240 lodging (4 nights) + $360 M&IE (5 days, first & last day at 75%).
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Big Sky / West Yellowstone/Gardiner lodging rate by month (FY2026)
Nightly lodging caps for Big Sky / West Yellowstone/Gardiner. M&IE is flat at $80/day and does not change by month.
| Month | Lodging / night | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | $176 | Low |
| Feb | $176 | Low |
| Mar | $176 | Low |
| Apr | $176 | Low |
| May | $176 | Low |
| Jun | $310 | Peak |
| Jul | $310 | Peak |
| Aug | $310 | Peak |
| Sep | $310 | Peak |
| Oct | $176 | Low |
| Nov | $176 | Low |
| Dec | $176 | Low |
How does Big Sky / West Yellowstone/Gardiner compare with other Montana per diem areas?
Big Sky / West Yellowstone/Gardiner is the most expensive per diem area in Montana for FY2026: its $310/night peak lodging cap tops the state's 4 non-standard areas, $93 above the state's $217/night NSA average.
Lodging in Big Sky / West Yellowstone/Gardiner swings 76% across the year — from $176/night in January to $310/night in June — so the same 4-night stay reimburses $536 more at the peak. M&IE stays flat at $80/day regardless of season.
The next cheaper Montana area is Kalispell/Whitefish at $232/night peak; every unlisted Montana location falls back to the $110 standard rate.
Book within the Big Sky / West Yellowstone/Gardiner lodging cap
Otto finds hotels in Big Sky / West Yellowstone/Gardiner at or under your $176–$310/night GSA lodging cap — and books them for you.
Big Sky / West Yellowstone/Gardiner per diem FAQ
- What is the per diem rate for Big Sky / West Yellowstone/Gardiner?
- For FY2026, the GSA per diem rate for Big Sky / West Yellowstone/Gardiner, Montana is $80 per day for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) and $176–$310/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 Big Sky / West Yellowstone/Gardiner?
- $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 Big Sky / West Yellowstone/Gardiner the most expensive per diem area in Montana?
- Yes. By peak lodging cap, Big Sky / West Yellowstone/Gardiner tops the 4 non-standard areas GSA lists in Montana for FY2026 at $310/night — $200 above the $110 standard cap. Its full daily rate reaches $390 with M&IE included.
- Why does lodging per diem in Big Sky / West Yellowstone/Gardiner change by month?
- GSA sets seasonal lodging caps for high-demand areas. In Big Sky / West Yellowstone/Gardiner, lodging is highest in June at $310/night and lowest in January at $176/night. M&IE stays flat at $80/day all year.
- What is the tax-free travel nurse stipend cap in Big Sky / West Yellowstone/Gardiner?
- Tax-free housing and meal stipends for travel nurses are capped at the GSA per diem for the assignment location. In Big Sky / West Yellowstone/Gardiner the full daily cap is up to $390 (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.