Charleston Per Diem Rate (FY2026)
Charleston / Berkeley / Dorchester · South Carolina · Official U.S. GSA federal per diem
For fiscal year 2026, the GSA per diem rate for Charleston is $92/day for meals & incidental expenses (M&IE) and $218–$288/night for lodging depending on the month, compared with the standard $178/day CONUS rate ($110 lodging + $68 M&IE). Lodging peaks in March and is lowest in January.
A 4-night business trip to Charleston in March totals $1,566: $1,152 lodging (4 nights) + $414 M&IE (5 days, first & last day at 75%).
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Charleston lodging rate by month (FY2026)
Nightly lodging caps for Charleston. M&IE is flat at $92/day and does not change by month.
| Month | Lodging / night | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | $218 | Low |
| Feb | $218 | Low |
| Mar | $288 | Peak |
| Apr | $288 | Peak |
| May | $288 | Peak |
| Jun | $244 | · |
| Jul | $244 | · |
| Aug | $244 | · |
| Sep | $244 | · |
| Oct | $244 | · |
| Nov | $218 | Low |
| Dec | $218 | Low |
How does Charleston compare with other South Carolina per diem areas?
Charleston is the most expensive per diem area in South Carolina for FY2026: its $288/night peak lodging cap tops the state's 4 non-standard areas, $88 above the state's $200/night NSA average.
Lodging in Charleston swings 32% across the year — from $218/night in January to $288/night in March — so the same 4-night stay reimburses $280 more at the peak. M&IE stays flat at $92/day regardless of season.
The next cheaper South Carolina area is Hilton Head at $215/night peak; every unlisted South Carolina location falls back to the $110 standard rate.
Book within the Charleston lodging cap
Otto finds hotels in Charleston at or under your $218–$288/night GSA lodging cap — and books them for you.
Charleston per diem FAQ
- What is the per diem rate for Charleston?
- For FY2026, the GSA per diem rate for Charleston, South Carolina is $92 per day for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) and $218–$288/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 Charleston?
- $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 Charleston the most expensive per diem area in South Carolina?
- Yes. By peak lodging cap, Charleston tops the 4 non-standard areas GSA lists in South Carolina for FY2026 at $288/night — $178 above the $110 standard cap. Its full daily rate reaches $380 with M&IE included.
- Why does lodging per diem in Charleston change by month?
- GSA sets seasonal lodging caps for high-demand areas. In Charleston, lodging is highest in March at $288/night and lowest in January at $218/night. M&IE stays flat at $92/day all year.
- What is the tax-free travel nurse stipend cap in Charleston?
- Tax-free housing and meal stipends for travel nurses are capped at the GSA per diem for the assignment location. In Charleston the full daily cap is up to $380 (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.