Hot Springs Per Diem Rate (FY2026)
Fall River / Custer · South Dakota · Official U.S. GSA federal per diem
For fiscal year 2026, the GSA per diem rate for Hot Springs is $74/day for meals & incidental expenses (M&IE) and $110–$161/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 Hot Springs in June totals $977: $644 lodging (4 nights) + $333 M&IE (5 days, first & last day at 75%).
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Hot Springs lodging rate by month (FY2026)
Nightly lodging caps for Hot Springs. M&IE is flat at $74/day and does not change by month.
| Month | Lodging / night | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | $110 | Low |
| Feb | $110 | Low |
| Mar | $110 | Low |
| Apr | $110 | Low |
| May | $110 | Low |
| Jun | $161 | Peak |
| Jul | $161 | Peak |
| Aug | $161 | Peak |
| Sep | $161 | Peak |
| Oct | $110 | Low |
| Nov | $110 | Low |
| Dec | $110 | Low |
How does Hot Springs compare with other South Dakota per diem areas?
Hot Springs is the most expensive per diem area in South Dakota for FY2026: its $161/night peak lodging cap tops the state's 3 non-standard areas, $8 above the state's $153/night NSA average.
Lodging in Hot Springs swings 46% across the year — from $110/night in January to $161/night in June — so the same 4-night stay reimburses $204 more at the peak. M&IE stays flat at $74/day regardless of season.
The next cheaper South Dakota area is Rapid City at $158/night peak; every unlisted South Dakota location falls back to the $110 standard rate.
Book within the Hot Springs lodging cap
Otto finds hotels in Hot Springs at or under your $110–$161/night GSA lodging cap — and books them for you.
Hot Springs per diem FAQ
- What is the per diem rate for Hot Springs?
- For FY2026, the GSA per diem rate for Hot Springs, South Dakota is $74 per day for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) and $110–$161/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 Hot Springs?
- $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.
- Is Hot Springs the most expensive per diem area in South Dakota?
- Yes. By peak lodging cap, Hot Springs tops the 3 non-standard areas GSA lists in South Dakota for FY2026 at $161/night — $51 above the $110 standard cap. Its full daily rate reaches $235 with M&IE included.
- Why does lodging per diem in Hot Springs change by month?
- GSA sets seasonal lodging caps for high-demand areas. In Hot Springs, lodging is highest in June at $161/night and lowest in January at $110/night. M&IE stays flat at $74/day all year.
- What is the tax-free travel nurse stipend cap in Hot Springs?
- Tax-free housing and meal stipends for travel nurses are capped at the GSA per diem for the assignment location. In Hot Springs the full daily cap is up to $235 (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.