Rapid City Per Diem Rate (FY2026)
Pennington · South Dakota · Official U.S. GSA federal per diem
For fiscal year 2026, the GSA per diem rate for Rapid City is $74/day for meals & incidental expenses (M&IE) and $110–$158/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 Rapid City in June totals $965: $632 lodging (4 nights) + $333 M&IE (5 days, first & last day at 75%).
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Rapid City lodging rate by month (FY2026)
Nightly lodging caps for Rapid City. 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 | $158 | Peak |
| Jul | $158 | Peak |
| Aug | $158 | Peak |
| Sep | $110 | Low |
| Oct | $110 | Low |
| Nov | $110 | Low |
| Dec | $110 | Low |
How does Rapid City compare with other South Dakota per diem areas?
Rapid City ranks #2 of 3 South Dakota non-standard per diem areas by peak lodging cap, at $158/night — $5 above the state's $153/night NSA average.
Lodging in Rapid City swings 44% across the year — from $110/night in January to $158/night in June — so the same 4-night stay reimburses $192 more at the peak. M&IE stays flat at $74/day regardless of season.
Flexible on location? The next cheaper South Dakota area is Deadwood / Spearfish at $140/night peak, and the next step up is Hot Springs at $161/night.
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Rapid City per diem FAQ
- What is the per diem rate for Rapid City?
- For FY2026, the GSA per diem rate for Rapid City, South Dakota is $74 per day for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) and $110–$158/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 Rapid City?
- $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 Rapid City change by month?
- GSA sets seasonal lodging caps for high-demand areas. In Rapid City, lodging is highest in June at $158/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 Rapid City?
- Tax-free housing and meal stipends for travel nurses are capped at the GSA per diem for the assignment location. In Rapid City the full daily cap is up to $232 (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.