Kalispell/Whitefish Per Diem Rate (FY2026)
Flathead · Montana · Official U.S. GSA federal per diem
For fiscal year 2026, the GSA per diem rate for Kalispell/Whitefish is $80/day for meals & incidental expenses (M&IE) and $124–$232/night for lodging depending on the month, compared with the standard $178/day CONUS rate ($110 lodging + $68 M&IE). Lodging peaks in July and is lowest in January.
A 4-night business trip to Kalispell/Whitefish in July totals $1,288: $928 lodging (4 nights) + $360 M&IE (5 days, first & last day at 75%).
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Kalispell/Whitefish lodging rate by month (FY2026)
Nightly lodging caps for Kalispell/Whitefish. M&IE is flat at $80/day and does not change by month.
| Month | Lodging / night | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | $124 | Low |
| Feb | $124 | Low |
| Mar | $124 | Low |
| Apr | $124 | Low |
| May | $124 | Low |
| Jun | $124 | Low |
| Jul | $232 | Peak |
| Aug | $232 | Peak |
| Sep | $232 | Peak |
| Oct | $124 | Low |
| Nov | $124 | Low |
| Dec | $124 | Low |
How does Kalispell/Whitefish compare with other Montana per diem areas?
Kalispell/Whitefish ranks #2 of 4 Montana non-standard per diem areas by peak lodging cap, at $232/night — $15 above the state's $217/night NSA average.
Lodging in Kalispell/Whitefish swings 87% across the year — from $124/night in January to $232/night in July — so the same 4-night stay reimburses $432 more at the peak. M&IE stays flat at $80/day regardless of season.
Flexible on location? The next cheaper Montana area is Missoula at $195/night peak, and the next step up is Big Sky / West Yellowstone/Gardiner at $310/night.
Book within the Kalispell/Whitefish lodging cap
Otto finds hotels in Kalispell/Whitefish at or under your $124–$232/night GSA lodging cap — and books them for you.
Kalispell/Whitefish per diem FAQ
- What is the per diem rate for Kalispell/Whitefish?
- For FY2026, the GSA per diem rate for Kalispell/Whitefish, Montana is $80 per day for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) and $124–$232/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 Kalispell/Whitefish?
- $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.
- Why does lodging per diem in Kalispell/Whitefish change by month?
- GSA sets seasonal lodging caps for high-demand areas. In Kalispell/Whitefish, lodging is highest in July at $232/night and lowest in January at $124/night. M&IE stays flat at $80/day all year.
- What is the tax-free travel nurse stipend cap in Kalispell/Whitefish?
- Tax-free housing and meal stipends for travel nurses are capped at the GSA per diem for the assignment location. In Kalispell/Whitefish the full daily cap is up to $312 (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.