Galveston Per Diem Rate (FY2026)
Galveston · Texas · Official U.S. GSA federal per diem
For fiscal year 2026, the GSA per diem rate for Galveston is $74/day for meals & incidental expenses (M&IE) and $111–$146/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 Galveston in June totals $917: $584 lodging (4 nights) + $333 M&IE (5 days, first & last day at 75%).
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Galveston lodging rate by month (FY2026)
Nightly lodging caps for Galveston. M&IE is flat at $74/day and does not change by month.
| Month | Lodging / night | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | $111 | Low |
| Feb | $111 | Low |
| Mar | $111 | Low |
| Apr | $111 | Low |
| May | $111 | Low |
| Jun | $146 | Peak |
| Jul | $146 | Peak |
| Aug | $111 | Low |
| Sep | $111 | Low |
| Oct | $111 | Low |
| Nov | $111 | Low |
| Dec | $111 | Low |
How does Galveston compare with other Texas per diem areas?
Galveston ranks #5 of 11 Texas non-standard per diem areas by peak lodging cap, at $146/night — $2 below the state's $148/night NSA average.
Lodging in Galveston swings 32% across the year — from $111/night in January to $146/night in June — so the same 4-night stay reimburses $140 more at the peak. M&IE stays flat at $74/day regardless of season.
Flexible on location? The next cheaper Texas area is South Padre Island at $140/night peak, and the next step up is San Antonio at $161/night.
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Galveston per diem FAQ
- What is the per diem rate for Galveston?
- For FY2026, the GSA per diem rate for Galveston, Texas is $74 per day for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) and $111–$146/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 Galveston?
- $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 Galveston change by month?
- GSA sets seasonal lodging caps for high-demand areas. In Galveston, lodging is highest in June at $146/night and lowest in January at $111/night. M&IE stays flat at $74/day all year.
- What is the tax-free travel nurse stipend cap in Galveston?
- Tax-free housing and meal stipends for travel nurses are capped at the GSA per diem for the assignment location. In Galveston the full daily cap is up to $220 (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.