Conus per diem rates are standardized daily allowances established by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses during official travel within the continental United States. These rates apply to federal employees, contractors, and military personnel on temporary duty assignments.
The term "Conus" stands for "continental United States," excluding Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories. The GSA sets these rates annually based on actual average costs reported by commercial lodging providers and transportation services. They serve as a flat-rate reimbursement system to simplify travel accounting and reduce administrative burden.
For example, in 2024, the standard lodging rate in New York City was $226 per night, while in rural Idaho it was $102. These amounts cover base lodging costs and include a separate allowance for incidental expenses such as laundry, dry cleaning, and tips. The GSA updates these values each January, with changes reflecting inflation and regional cost fluctuations.
The GSA determines conus per diem rates using data collected from national hotel chains, rental platforms, and travel surveys. The agency analyzes occupancy rates, average room prices, and seasonal demand patterns across 323 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) and 486 non-MSA locations.
Each location receives a lodging rate and an incidental expense allowance. As of 2024, the incidental amount is capped at $51 per day nationwide. This includes small purchases like bottled water, snacks, and internet access. Employees cannot claim additional incidental costs beyond this cap unless they provide itemized receipts.
A key rule: employees may not receive more than the published rate, even if actual spending exceeds it. For instance, if a federal employee stays in a $300 hotel set in Washington, D.C., they can only claim the GSA-approved rate of $250 for lodging and $51 for incidentals-regardless of the actual bill.
There are two primary categories of conus per diem rates: standard and high-cost area (HCA) rates. Standard rates apply to most cities and towns, while HCAs reflect higher living costs in major urban centers.
| Location Type | Lodging Rate (2024) | Incidental Allowance | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $100-$180 | $51 | Denver, CO; Nashville, TN; Portland, OR |
| High-Cost Area (HCA) | $200-$300+ | $51 | New York City, NY ($226); San Francisco, CA ($250); Los Angeles, CA ($230) |
HCAs are designated based on median hotel prices and consumer price index data. The GSA reviews these designations every fiscal year. In 2024, 17 metropolitan areas were classified as HCAs, including Boston, Chicago, and Seattle.
Employees traveling to multiple locations in a single trip must use the highest applicable rate for each day. For example, a traveler moving from Atlanta (standard rate) to San Diego (HCA) on the same day must claim the San Diego HCA rate for that day, regardless of where they stayed.
Many assume conus per diem rates are negotiable or based on personal spending habits. This is incorrect. The GSA sets fixed rates based on market data, not individual preferences. Employees cannot claim higher reimbursements simply because they stayed in a luxury hotel.
Another common error is confusing conus per diem rates with overseas per diem rates. While both are set by the GSA, overseas rates differ due to higher local costs and currency exchange factors. For example, the 2024 per diem rate for Tokyo is $382, compared to $226 for New York City.
A lesser-known fact: the GSA allows a partial-day rate for trips lasting less than eight hours. If an employee arrives at 10 a.m. and departs at 3 p.m., they may claim 50% of the full-day rate. This applies only to the day of arrival and departure, not consecutive days.
Consider a Department of Agriculture employee traveling from Washington, D.C., to Denver, Colorado, for a two-day conference. The GSA 2024 conus per diem rate for Denver is $165 for lodging and $51 for incidentals.
On Day 1, the employee arrives at 11 a.m. and checks into a hotel. Since the stay spans less than a full day, they claim 50% of the lodging rate: $82.50. They also claim $51 for incidentals. Total for Day 1: $133.50.
On Day 2, the employee stays overnight. They claim the full $165 lodging rate and $51 incidentals. Total for Day 2: $216.
On Day 3, the employee departs at 10 a.m. and claims 50% of the lodging rate: $82.50. Incidentals are not claimed for partial days unless the employee spends time in the city.
Total reimbursement: $133.50 + $216 + $82.50 = $432. This amount is paid directly through the employee's travel voucher system, with no need for itemized receipts.
These rates are binding for all federal agencies under 5 CFR § 531.201. Contractors working under federal contracts must follow the same guidelines unless otherwise specified in the contract. Failure to comply can result in audit findings or financial penalties.
Travel managers often use the GSA's online Per Diem Calculator to estimate reimbursements. The tool allows filtering by city, date, and duration. It also flags high-cost areas and displays historical rate trends.
When planning travel, employees should verify the current rate for their destination before booking accommodations. A mismatch between actual spending and published rates can delay reimbursement processing or trigger a review.
During my last assignment at the Environmental Protection Agency, I traveled to Salt Lake City for a three-day stakeholder meeting. I used the GSA rate of $132 for lodging and $51 for incidentals. I submitted the claim through the federal travel system and received payment within seven business days. No receipts were required.
Conus per diem rates ensure consistency, fairness, and efficiency in federal travel reimbursement. They eliminate the need for detailed expense reporting and reduce fraud risk. By standardizing costs across regions, they support equitable treatment for all travelers, regardless of rank or agency.