Santa Barbara, California Per Diem Rates, FY2027 (2026-27)
GSA sets per diem for the Santa Barbara locality (Santa Barbara) at $214 to $277 a night for lodging, depending on the month, and $92 a day for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE). These rates run from October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027.
Source: U.S. General Services Administration, read 2026-10-15. Lodging excludes taxes.
Lodging (peak)
$277/night
Lowest month: $214
M&IE
$92/day
First and last day: $69.00
Full week (lodging + M&IE)
$2,583
Lowest month: $2,142
Santa Barbara lodging by season
GSA sets lodging by month here. The highest period (Jul–Aug) is $63 a night above the lowest (Oct–Jun), so the month you travel changes what is reimbursed.
| Months (FY2027) | Lodging / night | Lodging + M&IE / week |
|---|---|---|
| Oct–Jun | $214 | $2,142 |
| Jul–Aug | $277 | $2,583 |
| Sep | $214 | $2,142 |
Santa Barbara Per Diem for Calendar 2026, Month by Month
GSA rates run by federal fiscal year, so calendar 2026 uses two sets of rates: January–September fall in FY2026, and October–December fall in FY2027. Peak lodging went from $262 to $277 a night (up $15), and M&IE stayed at $92 a day.
| Month (2026) | Fiscal year | Lodging / night | M&IE / day | Total / week |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | FY2026 | $205 | $92 | $2,079 |
| Feb | FY2026 | $205 | $92 | $2,079 |
| Mar | FY2026 | $205 | $92 | $2,079 |
| Apr | FY2026 | $205 | $92 | $2,079 |
| May | FY2026 | $205 | $92 | $2,079 |
| Jun | FY2026 | $205 | $92 | $2,079 |
| Jul | FY2026 | $262 | $92 | $2,478 |
| Aug | FY2026 | $262 | $92 | $2,478 |
| Sep | FY2026 | $205 | $92 | $2,079 |
| Oct | FY2027 | $214 | $92 | $2,142 |
| Nov | FY2027 | $214 | $92 | $2,142 |
| Dec | FY2027 | $214 | $92 | $2,142 |
A trip or contract that runs across 1 October is covered by both years: each night is capped by the rate for the month it falls in. Total / week is (lodging + M&IE) × 7.
Example: a 5-day trip
Five days and four nights in Santa Barbara during Jul–Aug:
- Lodging: 4 nights × $277 = $1,108
- M&IE: 3 full days × $92 + 2 travel days × $69.00 = $414.00
- Maximum per diem: $1,522.00
Lodging is reimbursed up to the rate for actual cost; M&IE is a flat allowance. Your employer's policy may differ.
Calculate your own datesHow Santa Barbara compares
The CONUS standard rate, used anywhere in California outside a named locality, is $113 a night plus $68 M&IE. Santa Barbara peaks $164 a night higher.
Other California localities: Santa Cruz ($181), Santa Monica ($283), Santa Rosa ($163), South Lake Tahoe ($262), Stockton ($137), Sunnyvale / Palo Alto / San Jose ($218), Tahoe City ($132), Truckee ($178). All California rates.
For travel nurses on assignment in Santa Barbara
An agency can pay housing and meal stipends tax-free up to $2,583 a week here at the peak ($2,142 in the lowest month), and only if you keep a qualifying tax home. Check an offer with the stipend calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Santa Barbara per diem rate for 2026-27?
For fiscal year 2027 (October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027), GSA sets Santa Barbara, California at $214 to $277 a night for lodging depending on the month, and $92 a day for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE). The locality covers Santa Barbara.
What is the first and last day M&IE in Santa Barbara?
$69.00, which is 75% of the $92 full-day rate, per GSA's M&IE breakdown.
Is Santa Barbara per diem higher than the standard rate?
Yes. At its peak, Santa Barbara lodging is $164 a night above the $113 CONUS standard rate, and M&IE is $92 against the standard $68.
What was the Santa Barbara per diem in 2026?
Calendar 2026 spans two GSA fiscal years. January to September 2026 used FY2026 rates: lodging $205–$262 a night and M&IE $92 a day. October to December 2026 use FY2027 rates: lodging $214–$277 a night and M&IE $92 a day.