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.
| Season | Lodging / night | M&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.
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%.
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | $23 |
| Lunch | $26 |
| Dinner | $38 |
| Incidentals | $5 |
| Full day total | $92 |
| First & last day (75%) | $69 |
Hotels under the GSA lodging rate
25 member-rate hotels are available under Washington's $275 GSA lodging cap for an example October stay. A few of the closest to downtown:
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?＋
Often, yes, and more easily outside peak season. The list on this page is refreshed daily against the current cap, so it shows what is available now.
District of Columbia per diem rates · All per diem rates & calculator