South Padre Island Per Diem Rate (FY2026)
Cameron · Texas · Official U.S. GSA federal per diem
For fiscal year 2026, the GSA per diem rate for South Padre Island is $74/day for meals & incidental expenses (M&IE) and $118–$140/night for lodging depending on the month, compared with the standard $178/day CONUS rate ($110 lodging + $68 M&IE). Lodging peaks in March and is lowest in January.
A 4-night business trip to South Padre Island in March totals $893: $560 lodging (4 nights) + $333 M&IE (5 days, first & last day at 75%).
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South Padre Island lodging rate by month (FY2026)
Nightly lodging caps for South Padre Island. M&IE is flat at $74/day and does not change by month.
| Month | Lodging / night | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | $118 | Low |
| Feb | $118 | Low |
| Mar | $140 | Peak |
| Apr | $140 | Peak |
| May | $140 | Peak |
| Jun | $140 | Peak |
| Jul | $140 | Peak |
| Aug | $118 | Low |
| Sep | $118 | Low |
| Oct | $118 | Low |
| Nov | $118 | Low |
| Dec | $118 | Low |
How does South Padre Island compare with other Texas per diem areas?
South Padre Island ranks #6 of 11 Texas non-standard per diem areas by peak lodging cap, at $140/night — $8 below the state's $148/night NSA average.
Lodging in South Padre Island swings 19% across the year — from $118/night in January to $140/night in March — so the same 4-night stay reimburses $88 more at the peak. M&IE stays flat at $74/day regardless of season.
Flexible on location? The next cheaper Texas area is Midland / Odessa at $132/night peak, and the next step up is Galveston at $146/night.
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South Padre Island per diem FAQ
- What is the per diem rate for South Padre Island?
- For FY2026, the GSA per diem rate for South Padre Island, Texas is $74 per day for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) and $118–$140/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 South Padre Island?
- $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 South Padre Island change by month?
- GSA sets seasonal lodging caps for high-demand areas. In South Padre Island, lodging is highest in March at $140/night and lowest in January at $118/night. M&IE stays flat at $74/day all year.
- What is the tax-free travel nurse stipend cap in South Padre Island?
- Tax-free housing and meal stipends for travel nurses are capped at the GSA per diem for the assignment location. In South Padre Island the full daily cap is up to $214 (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.