Hilton Head Per Diem Rate (FY2026)
Beaufort · South Carolina · Official U.S. GSA federal per diem
For fiscal year 2026, the GSA per diem rate for Hilton Head is $80/day for meals & incidental expenses (M&IE) and $118–$215/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 Hilton Head in June totals $1,220: $860 lodging (4 nights) + $360 M&IE (5 days, first & last day at 75%).
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Hilton Head lodging rate by month (FY2026)
Nightly lodging caps for Hilton Head. M&IE is flat at $80/day and does not change by month.
| Month | Lodging / night | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | $118 | Low |
| Feb | $118 | Low |
| Mar | $193 | · |
| Apr | $193 | · |
| May | $193 | · |
| Jun | $215 | Peak |
| Jul | $215 | Peak |
| Aug | $215 | Peak |
| Sep | $163 | · |
| Oct | $163 | · |
| Nov | $118 | Low |
| Dec | $118 | Low |
How does Hilton Head compare with other South Carolina per diem areas?
Hilton Head ranks #2 of 4 South Carolina non-standard per diem areas by peak lodging cap, at $215/night — $15 above the state's $200/night NSA average.
Lodging in Hilton Head swings 82% across the year — from $118/night in January to $215/night in June — so the same 4-night stay reimburses $388 more at the peak. M&IE stays flat at $80/day regardless of season.
Flexible on location? The next cheaper South Carolina area is Myrtle Beach at $182/night peak, and the next step up is Charleston at $288/night.
Book within the Hilton Head lodging cap
Otto finds hotels in Hilton Head at or under your $118–$215/night GSA lodging cap — and books them for you.
Hilton Head per diem FAQ
- What is the per diem rate for Hilton Head?
- For FY2026, the GSA per diem rate for Hilton Head, South Carolina is $80 per day for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) and $118–$215/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 Hilton Head?
- $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 Hilton Head change by month?
- GSA sets seasonal lodging caps for high-demand areas. In Hilton Head, lodging is highest in June at $215/night and lowest in January at $118/night. M&IE stays flat at $80/day all year.
- What is the tax-free travel nurse stipend cap in Hilton Head?
- Tax-free housing and meal stipends for travel nurses are capped at the GSA per diem for the assignment location. In Hilton Head the full daily cap is up to $295 (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.