San Antonio Per Diem Rate (FY2026)
Bexar · Texas · Official U.S. GSA federal per diem
For fiscal year 2026, the GSA per diem rate for San Antonio is $74/day for meals & incidental expenses (M&IE) and $137–$161/night for lodging depending on the month, compared with the standard $178/day CONUS rate ($110 lodging + $68 M&IE). Lodging peaks in February and is lowest in January.
A 4-night business trip to San Antonio in February totals $977: $644 lodging (4 nights) + $333 M&IE (5 days, first & last day at 75%).
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San Antonio lodging rate by month (FY2026)
Nightly lodging caps for San Antonio. M&IE is flat at $74/day and does not change by month.
| Month | Lodging / night | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | $137 | Low |
| Feb | $161 | Peak |
| Mar | $161 | Peak |
| Apr | $137 | Low |
| May | $137 | Low |
| Jun | $137 | Low |
| Jul | $137 | Low |
| Aug | $137 | Low |
| Sep | $137 | Low |
| Oct | $137 | Low |
| Nov | $137 | Low |
| Dec | $137 | Low |
How does San Antonio compare with other Texas per diem areas?
San Antonio ranks #4 of 11 Texas non-standard per diem areas by peak lodging cap, at $161/night — $13 above the state's $148/night NSA average.
Lodging in San Antonio swings 18% across the year — from $137/night in January to $161/night in February — so the same 4-night stay reimburses $96 more at the peak. M&IE stays flat at $74/day regardless of season.
Flexible on location? The next cheaper Texas area is Galveston at $146/night peak, and the next step up is Arlington / Fort Worth / Grapevine at $181/night.
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San Antonio per diem FAQ
- What is the per diem rate for San Antonio?
- For FY2026, the GSA per diem rate for San Antonio, Texas is $74 per day for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) and $137–$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 San Antonio?
- $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 San Antonio change by month?
- GSA sets seasonal lodging caps for high-demand areas. In San Antonio, lodging is highest in February at $161/night and lowest in January at $137/night. M&IE stays flat at $74/day all year.
- What is the tax-free travel nurse stipend cap in San Antonio?
- Tax-free housing and meal stipends for travel nurses are capped at the GSA per diem for the assignment location. In San Antonio 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.