Colorado

2026 Per Diem Calculator for Colorado

When traveling for business in Colorado, here are the per diem rates you’re allowed for hotels, meals, and incidentals.

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Per Diem Rates for Lodging in Colorado

The General Services Administration set the per diem rates on a monthly basis for all destinations in Colorado. Here are the per diem rates that apply in Colorado when you travel there for business.

Per Diem Rates for Meals and Incidentals in Colorado

Frequently visited states for business

Planning a business trip to Colorado

Business-travel costs in Colorado are not uniform across the state. Match the destination’s rate with the rules in your corporate travel policy so the booking, allowance, and approval process stay aligned.

Where business travelers stay in Colorado

For a trip involving Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs, travelers building an itinerary around a venue or arrival point can compare hotels near Colorado Convention Center and hotels near Denver airport with the per-diem rate for that market. Location, transfer time, and an early departure can matter as much as the nightly price.

Conferences, meetings, and company offsites

When an agenda combines client meetings, a conference, or an offsite in Colorado, choose the rate for the actual overnight location rather than a nearby market. Confirm the venue, airport, and hotel plan before the trip so attendees are working from the same assumptions.

Using per diem and documenting expenses

Per diem is an allowance framework, not a substitute for an employer’s rules. Treat each qualifying business expense according to your policy, retain supporting documentation when required, and submit an expense report with the business purpose and trip details your organization requests.

Top Industries 

  • Aerospace: Colorado is a leader in the aerospace industry, with numerous companies and research institutions involved in space exploration, satellite technology, and defense systems.
  • Technology and Information: The state has a strong tech sector, including software development, cybersecurity, and telecommunications. Areas like Denver and Boulder are known for their tech startups and innovation hubs.
  • Agriculture: Colorado has a rich agricultural sector, producing crops such as corn, wheat, and hay, as well as livestock like cattle and sheep. The state’s diverse climate and geography support a wide range of agricultural activities.
  • Tourism and Outdoor Recreation: The natural beauty of Colorado, including its mountains, parks, and ski resorts, makes tourism a vital industry. Activities such as skiing, hiking, and camping attract millions of visitors each year.
  • Energy: Colorado is a significant player in the energy sector, with substantial oil, natural gas, and renewable energy resources. The state is also a leader in clean energy initiatives, including wind and solar power.
  • Healthcare and Biotechnology: The healthcare and biotech industries are robust in Colorado, with many hospitals, research institutions, and biotech firms driving innovation and providing employment.
  • Manufacturing: Colorado’s manufacturing sector includes the production of food and beverages, electronics, aerospace components, and more. The state’s central location and transportation infrastructure support manufacturing activities.
  • Financial Services: The financial services industry, including banking, insurance, and investment firms, is a significant contributor to Colorado’s economy, particularly in urban centers like Denver.

Some of the Biggest Companies

  • Ball Corporation (Westminster): Ball Corporation is a leading provider of metal packaging for beverages, foods, and household products, and also a key player in the aerospace industry.
  • Dish Network (Englewood): A satellite television and telecommunications service provider.
  • Arrow Electronics (Centennial): Arrow Electronics is a global distributor of electronic components and enterprise computing solutions.
  • DaVita Inc. (Denver): A leading provider of kidney care services.
  • Liberty Media Corporation (Englewood): An American mass media company.
  • Vail Resorts (Broomfield): A leading mountain resort company headquartered in Broomfield, known for its ski resorts in Colorado and around the world.

Newmont Corporation (Denver): One of the world’s leading gold mining companies.

This content is for informational purposes only. It doesn’t necessarily reflect the views of Navan and should not be construed as legal, tax, benefits, financial, accounting, or other advice. If you need specific advice for your business, please consult with an expert, as rules and regulations change regularly.