FY 2024 Per Diem Rates for Federal Travelers
Please note! The FY 2024 rates are NOT the default rates until October 1, 2023.
When it comes to getting reimbursed for work-related travel expenses, one important aspect is understanding per diem rates. As we explore the per diem rates for 2024, we'll break down the key details, changes, and what this means for you.
Establishing CONUS Per Diem Rates
The cornerstone of our endeavor lies in defining per diem rates for the continental United States (CONUS), encompassing the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia. These rates serve as the bedrock for federal agencies to reimburse their employees for subsistence expenses during official travel.
The Federal per diem rates comprise two key elements: a maximum lodging allowance and the meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) component. Across much of CONUS, approximately 2,600 counties, the standard rate stands at $166, with lodging accounting for $107 and M&IE for $59. However, the 2024 per diem rates venture beyond the standard.
302 Non-Standard Areas
In FY 2024, the landscape reveals 302 non-standard areas (NSAs) that deviate from the norm, offering per diem rates surpassing the standard rate. These NSAs, spanning diverse geographic regions, reflect the varying cost of living and economic dynamics. Thus, per diem rates aren't mere numbers; they encapsulate the nuances of location-specific financial landscapes.
Maximum Lodging Allowances and ADR Data
Since FY 2005, the foundation of maximum lodging allowances relies on average daily rate (ADR) data. The ADR, a standard measure in the lodging industry, is derived from the ratio of a property's room rental revenue to the number of rooms rented. This data-driven approach ensures that the lodging allowances remain tethered to the realities of the market. For more information about how lodging per diem rates are determined, visit Factors Influencing Lodging Rates.
Navigating the complex web of travel expenditures, agencies are empowered by the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) to reimburse actual expenses when per diem rates fall short. This provision recognizes the fluidity of financial landscapes and aims to bridge the gap between the set rates and the genuine financial outlays. For deeper insights, explore FTR § § 301-11.300 through 11.306.
FY 2024 Results
In the realm of FY 2024, a tapestry of changes and additions await our attention. The standard CONUS lodging rate experiences an incremental rise from $98 to $107. In alignment with the commitment to equity, all current NSAs will adhere to or surpass the FY 2023 rates. The M&IE per diem tiers remain steadfast at $59-$79, with the standard M&IE rate locked at $59.
New NSA Locations
The year unveils two new NSA locations: Huntsville, AL (Madison County) and Charles Town, WV (Jefferson County). These additions further diversify the per diem rate distribution, acknowledging the dynamic nature of travel expenditure landscapes.
From NSA to Standard Conus Rate
A notable shift comes to the forefront as certain locations transition from NSA-based rates to the standard CONUS rate. The following locations will embrace the standard rate structure. This shift harmonizes the reimbursement experience, fostering consistency and equitable treatment:
Hammond / Munster / Merrillville, IN (Lake County)
Wichita, KS (Wichita County)
Baton Rouge, LA (East Baton Rouge Parish)
Baltimore County, MD
Frederick, MD (Frederick County)
East Lansing / Lansing, MI (Ingham and Eaton Counties)
Kalamazoo / Battle Creek, MI (Kalamazoo and Calhoun Counties)
Eagan/ Burnsville / Mendota Heights, MN (Dakota County)
Akron, OH (Summit County)
Wooster, OH (Wayne County)
Erie, PA (Erie County)
Corpus Christi, TX (Nueces County)
Round Rock, TX (Williamson County)
Appleton, WI (Outagamie County)
Brookfield / Racine, WI (Waukesha and Racine Counties)
Morgantown, WV (Monongalia County)
In essence, the 2024 per diem rates transcend numbers; they encapsulate a dynamic ecosystem that adapts to the ever-changing financial dynamics of official travel. As we navigate this landscape, a comprehensive understanding empowers both travelers and agencies to ensure that official journeys are facilitated seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the frequently asked questions regarding the per diem rates for federal travelers in the FY 2024.
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Per Diem Rates refer to the fixed daily allowances provided to federal employees and authorized travelers to cover lodging, meals, and incidental expenses during official trips. These rates vary based on location and are intended to ensure reasonable and consistent reimbursement.
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Per Diem Rates apply to federal employees, contractors, and other authorized personnel who undertake official travel.
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You can access the rates at the GSA Per Diem web page. Simply click on a state in the map to access its rates, or alternatively, use the search box to find rates for a specific location. For county information related to a specific destination, you can utilize the Census Geocoder tool. If the city or county you're searching for isn't listed on the GSA per diem rate page, the standard CONUS rate will be applicable.
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Non-standard areas (NSAs) are destinations frequently visited by the federal community, undergoing annual reviews. Standard CONUS locations, which are less commonly traveled by federal personnel, are not explicitly listed on the GSA website.
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The CONUS per diem rate doesn't cover lodging taxes. According to Federal Travel Regulation 301-11.27, federal travelers can be reimbursed for lodging taxes in CONUS, limited to those on reimbursable lodging costs. However, lodging taxes remain in foreign per diem rates established by the Department of State, with no separate claims allowed for such taxes in foreign areas. Some states and local governments might exempt federal travelers from tax payments.
For more information on FY 2024 per diem reimbursement rates, visit the official GSA Per Diem Rates page.