2026 Per Diem Calculator for Washington D.C.
When traveling for business in Washington D.C., here are the per diem rates you’re allowed for hotels, meals, and incidentals.
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Per Diem Rates for Lodging in Washington D.C.
The General Services Administration set the per diem rates on a monthly basis for all destinations in Washington D.C.. Here are the per diem rates that apply in Washington D.C. when you travel there for business.
City | County | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
District of Columbia | Washington DC (also the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church and Fairfax, and the counties of Arlington and Fairfax, in Virginia; and the counties of Montgomery and Prince George's in Maryland) | $196 | $196 | $276 | $276 | $276 | $276 | $183 | $183 | $275 | $275 | $196 | $196 |
Per Diem Rates for Meals and Incidentals in Washington D.C.
City | County | Lodging | Meals & Incidentals rate | Trip totals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
District of Columbia | Washington DC (also the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church and Fairfax, and the counties of Arlington and Fairfax, in Virginia; and the counties of Montgomery and Prince George's in Maryland) | $234 | $97 | $331 |
Frequently visited states for business
Planning a business trip to Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. per-diem rates can differ from nearby Virginia and Maryland markets. Before booking, compare the applicable rate in this calculator with your company’s corporate travel policy, including any hotel cap, booking-channel rule, or approval requirement.
Where business travelers stay in Washington, D.C.
For a trip involving downtown Washington, Capitol Hill, or a convention agenda, compare hotels near Walter E. Washington Convention Center with the per-diem rate for the overnight location. A short commute may be more useful than the lowest nightly price when the schedule begins early or ends late.
Conferences, meetings, and company offsites
For an event itinerary, use 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 using 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.
