Seattle Per Diem Rate (FY2026)
King · Washington · Official U.S. GSA federal per diem
For fiscal year 2026, the GSA per diem rate for Seattle is $92/day for meals & incidental expenses (M&IE) and $188–$248/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 Seattle in June totals $1,406: $992 lodging (4 nights) + $414 M&IE (5 days, first & last day at 75%).
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Seattle lodging rate by month (FY2026)
Nightly lodging caps for Seattle. M&IE is flat at $92/day and does not change by month.
| Month | Lodging / night | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | $188 | Low |
| Feb | $188 | Low |
| Mar | $188 | Low |
| Apr | $188 | Low |
| May | $188 | Low |
| Jun | $248 | Peak |
| Jul | $248 | Peak |
| Aug | $248 | Peak |
| Sep | $248 | Peak |
| Oct | $188 | Low |
| Nov | $188 | Low |
| Dec | $188 | Low |
How does Seattle compare with other Washington per diem areas?
Seattle is the most expensive per diem area in Washington for FY2026: its $248/night peak lodging cap tops the state's 9 non-standard areas, $84 above the state's $164/night NSA average.
Lodging in Seattle swings 32% across the year — from $188/night in January to $248/night in June — so the same 4-night stay reimburses $240 more at the peak. M&IE stays flat at $92/day regardless of season.
The next cheaper Washington area is Port Angeles / Port Townsend at $235/night peak; every unlisted Washington location falls back to the $110 standard rate.
Book within the Seattle lodging cap
Otto finds hotels in Seattle at or under your $188–$248/night GSA lodging cap — and books them for you.
Seattle per diem FAQ
- What is the per diem rate for Seattle?
- For FY2026, the GSA per diem rate for Seattle, Washington is $92 per day for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) and $188–$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 Seattle?
- $92 per day for FY2026: $23 breakfast, $26 lunch, $38 dinner and $5 incidentals. The first and last day of travel reimburse at 75%, or $69.
- Is Seattle the most expensive per diem area in Washington?
- Yes. By peak lodging cap, Seattle tops the 9 non-standard areas GSA lists in Washington for FY2026 at $248/night — $138 above the $110 standard cap. Its full daily rate reaches $340 with M&IE included.
- Why does lodging per diem in Seattle change by month?
- GSA sets seasonal lodging caps for high-demand areas. In Seattle, lodging is highest in June at $248/night and lowest in January at $188/night. M&IE stays flat at $92/day all year.
- What is the tax-free travel nurse stipend cap in Seattle?
- Tax-free housing and meal stipends for travel nurses are capped at the GSA per diem for the assignment location. In Seattle the full daily cap is up to $340 (peak-month lodging + $92 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.