Philadelphia Per Diem Rate (FY2026)
Philadelphia · Pennsylvania · Official U.S. GSA federal per diem
For fiscal year 2026, the GSA per diem rate for Philadelphia is $92/day for meals & incidental expenses (M&IE) and $156–$218/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 Philadelphia in September totals $1,286: $872 lodging (4 nights) + $414 M&IE (5 days, first & last day at 75%).
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Philadelphia lodging rate by month (FY2026)
Nightly lodging caps for Philadelphia. M&IE is flat at $92/day and does not change by month.
| Month | Lodging / night | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | $156 | Low |
| Feb | $156 | Low |
| Mar | $156 | Low |
| Apr | $187 | · |
| May | $187 | · |
| Jun | $187 | · |
| Jul | $187 | · |
| Aug | $187 | · |
| Sep | $218 | Peak |
| Oct | $218 | Peak |
| Nov | $218 | Peak |
| Dec | $156 | Low |
How does Philadelphia compare with other Pennsylvania per diem areas?
Philadelphia is the most expensive per diem area in Pennsylvania for FY2026: its $218/night peak lodging cap tops the state's 13 non-standard areas, $82 above the state's $136/night NSA average.
Lodging in Philadelphia swings 40% across the year — from $156/night in January to $218/night in September — so the same 4-night stay reimburses $248 more at the peak. M&IE stays flat at $92/day regardless of season.
The next cheaper Pennsylvania area is Hershey at $196/night peak; every unlisted Pennsylvania location falls back to the $110 standard rate.
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Philadelphia per diem FAQ
- What is the per diem rate for Philadelphia?
- For FY2026, the GSA per diem rate for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $92 per day for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) and $156–$218/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 Philadelphia?
- $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.
- Is Philadelphia the most expensive per diem area in Pennsylvania?
- Yes. By peak lodging cap, Philadelphia tops the 13 non-standard areas GSA lists in Pennsylvania for FY2026 at $218/night — $108 above the $110 standard cap. Its full daily rate reaches $310 with M&IE included.
- Why does lodging per diem in Philadelphia change by month?
- GSA sets seasonal lodging caps for high-demand areas. In Philadelphia, lodging is highest in September at $218/night and lowest in January at $156/night. M&IE stays flat at $92/day all year.
- What is the tax-free travel nurse stipend cap in Philadelphia?
- Tax-free housing and meal stipends for travel nurses are capped at the GSA per diem for the assignment location. In Philadelphia the full daily cap is up to $310 (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.