Nashville Per Diem Rate (FY2026)
Davidson · Tennessee · Official U.S. GSA federal per diem
For fiscal year 2026, the GSA per diem rate for Nashville is $86/day for meals & incidental expenses (M&IE) and $217–$248/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 Nashville in September totals $1,379: $992 lodging (4 nights) + $387 M&IE (5 days, first & last day at 75%).
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Nashville lodging rate by month (FY2026)
Nightly lodging caps for Nashville. M&IE is flat at $86/day and does not change by month.
| Month | Lodging / night | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | $217 | Low |
| Feb | $217 | Low |
| Mar | $217 | Low |
| Apr | $217 | Low |
| May | $217 | Low |
| Jun | $217 | Low |
| Jul | $217 | Low |
| Aug | $217 | Low |
| Sep | $248 | Peak |
| Oct | $248 | Peak |
| Nov | $217 | Low |
| Dec | $217 | Low |
How does Nashville compare with other Tennessee per diem areas?
Nashville is the most expensive per diem area in Tennessee for FY2026: its $248/night peak lodging cap tops the state's 5 non-standard areas, $99 above the state's $149/night NSA average.
Lodging in Nashville swings 14% across the year — from $217/night in January to $248/night in September — so the same 4-night stay reimburses $124 more at the peak. M&IE stays flat at $86/day regardless of season.
The next cheaper Tennessee area is Brentwood / Franklin at $130/night peak; every unlisted Tennessee location falls back to the $110 standard rate.
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Nashville per diem FAQ
- What is the per diem rate for Nashville?
- For FY2026, the GSA per diem rate for Nashville, Tennessee is $86 per day for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) and $217–$248/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 Nashville?
- $86 per day for FY2026: $22 breakfast, $23 lunch, $36 dinner and $5 incidentals. The first and last day of travel reimburse at 75%, or $64.50.
- Is Nashville the most expensive per diem area in Tennessee?
- Yes. By peak lodging cap, Nashville tops the 5 non-standard areas GSA lists in Tennessee for FY2026 at $248/night — $138 above the $110 standard cap. Its full daily rate reaches $334 with M&IE included.
- Why does lodging per diem in Nashville change by month?
- GSA sets seasonal lodging caps for high-demand areas. In Nashville, lodging is highest in September at $248/night and lowest in January at $217/night. M&IE stays flat at $86/day all year.
- What is the tax-free travel nurse stipend cap in Nashville?
- Tax-free housing and meal stipends for travel nurses are capped at the GSA per diem for the assignment location. In Nashville the full daily cap is up to $334 (peak-month lodging + $86 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.