Durham Per Diem Rate (FY2026)
Strafford · New Hampshire · Official U.S. GSA federal per diem
For fiscal year 2026, the GSA per diem rate for Durham is $74/day for meals & incidental expenses (M&IE) and $125–$152/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 Durham in July totals $941: $608 lodging (4 nights) + $333 M&IE (5 days, first & last day at 75%).
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Durham lodging rate by month (FY2026)
Nightly lodging caps for Durham. M&IE is flat at $74/day and does not change by month.
| Month | Lodging / night | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | $125 | Low |
| Feb | $125 | Low |
| Mar | $125 | Low |
| Apr | $125 | Low |
| May | $125 | Low |
| Jun | $125 | Low |
| Jul | $152 | Peak |
| Aug | $152 | Peak |
| Sep | $125 | Low |
| Oct | $125 | Low |
| Nov | $125 | Low |
| Dec | $125 | Low |
How does Durham compare with other New Hampshire per diem areas?
Durham ranks #5 of 7 New Hampshire non-standard per diem areas by peak lodging cap, at $152/night — $8 below the state's $160/night NSA average.
Lodging in Durham swings 22% across the year — from $125/night in January to $152/night in July — so the same 4-night stay reimburses $108 more at the peak. M&IE stays flat at $74/day regardless of season.
Flexible on location? The next cheaper New Hampshire area is Manchester at $130/night peak, and the next step up is Conway at $161/night.
Book within the Durham lodging cap
Otto finds hotels in Durham at or under your $125–$152/night GSA lodging cap — and books them for you.
Durham per diem FAQ
- What is the per diem rate for Durham?
- For FY2026, the GSA per diem rate for Durham, New Hampshire is $74 per day for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) and $125–$152/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 Durham?
- $74 per day for FY2026: $18 breakfast, $20 lunch, $31 dinner and $5 incidentals. The first and last day of travel reimburse at 75%, or $55.50.
- Why does lodging per diem in Durham change by month?
- GSA sets seasonal lodging caps for high-demand areas. In Durham, lodging is highest in July at $152/night and lowest in January at $125/night. M&IE stays flat at $74/day all year.
- What is the tax-free travel nurse stipend cap in Durham?
- Tax-free housing and meal stipends for travel nurses are capped at the GSA per diem for the assignment location. In Durham the full daily cap is up to $226 (peak-month lodging + $74 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.