Washington Per Diem Rates: The FY2026 GSA Guide

Washington's FY2026 GSA per diem is $183–$276 for lodging and $92 for M&IE.

Per DiemBusiness TravelDyme · GSA FY2026

Washington, DC's FY2026 GSA per diem is $183 per night for most of the year, rising to $276 in peak months, with a flat $92 daily allowance for meals & incidentals (M&IE) — well above the $110 CONUS standard. Here's how the rates break down, what a full trip totals, and which member-rate hotels come in under the cap.

Washington FY2026 per diem rates

Washington has seasonal lodging rates — they change by month within the fiscal year. M&IE stays flat all year.

SeasonLodging / nightM&IE / day
Jan–Feb$196$92
Mar–Jun$276$92
Jul–Aug$183$92
Sep–Oct$275$92
Nov–Dec$196$92

Calculate your trip

Pre-filled for Washington — set your dates and any provided meals to get the trip total.

GSA Per Diem Calculator · FY2026
Washington per diem
Meals provided?
WASHINGTON, DC · DC · FY2026 · GSA
$183
Lodging / night
$92
M&IE / day
$596
Total trip per diem
2 nights · 3 days (first & last day at 75% M&IE = $69)
Rates published by GSA · fiscal year Oct 2025 – Sep 2026
Reimbursement at or below this rate under an accountable plan is not taxable to the employee. Learn more →

M&IE breakdown

How Washington's $92 daily M&IE splits across meals. Provided meals are deducted at these amounts; the first and last travel day are paid at 75%.

ComponentAmount
Breakfast$23
Lunch$26
Dinner$38
Incidentals$5
Full day total$92
First & last day (75%)$69

Hotels under the GSA lodging rate

Is per diem taxable in Washington, DC?

The federal rule is the same everywhere: when an employer reimburses at or below the GSA rate under an accountable plan, Washington, DC per diem is not taxable to the employee and isn't reported on the W-2. Pay above the rate, or skip the expense report, and the excess becomes taxable wages. See the IRS rules guide for the accountable-plan tests.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Washington per diem rate for 2026?

FY2026 lodging is $183/night, rising to $276/night in peak season, with $92/day for meals & incidentals.

Why is Washington's rate higher than the standard?

GSA sets rates from average local lodging costs. Washington's lodging cap is above the $110 CONUS standard.

Can I find a hotel under the GSA cap in Washington?

Yes — 43 member-rate hotels come in under the cap, especially outside peak season. See the list on this page.

District of Columbia per diem rates · All per diem rates & calculator

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