Santa Cruz, California Per Diem Rates, FY2027 (2026-27)
GSA sets per diem for the Santa Cruz locality (Santa Cruz) at $149 to $181 a night for lodging, depending on the month, and $86 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)
$181/night
Lowest month: $149
M&IE
$86/day
First and last day: $64.50
Full week (lodging + M&IE)
$1,869
Lowest month: $1,645
Santa Cruz lodging by season
GSA sets lodging by month here. The highest period (Jun–Aug) is $32 a night above the lowest (Oct–May), so the month you travel changes what is reimbursed.
| Months (FY2027) | Lodging / night | Lodging + M&IE / week |
|---|---|---|
| Oct–May | $149 | $1,645 |
| Jun–Aug | $181 | $1,869 |
| Sep | $149 | $1,645 |
Santa Cruz 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 $176 to $181 a night (up $5), and M&IE stayed at $86 a day.
| Month (2026) | Fiscal year | Lodging / night | M&IE / day | Total / week |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | FY2026 | $139 | $86 | $1,575 |
| Feb | FY2026 | $139 | $86 | $1,575 |
| Mar | FY2026 | $139 | $86 | $1,575 |
| Apr | FY2026 | $139 | $86 | $1,575 |
| May | FY2026 | $139 | $86 | $1,575 |
| Jun | FY2026 | $176 | $86 | $1,834 |
| Jul | FY2026 | $176 | $86 | $1,834 |
| Aug | FY2026 | $176 | $86 | $1,834 |
| Sep | FY2026 | $139 | $86 | $1,575 |
| Oct | FY2027 | $149 | $86 | $1,645 |
| Nov | FY2027 | $149 | $86 | $1,645 |
| Dec | FY2027 | $149 | $86 | $1,645 |
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 Cruz during Jun–Aug:
- Lodging: 4 nights × $181 = $724
- M&IE: 3 full days × $86 + 2 travel days × $64.50 = $387.00
- Maximum per diem: $1,111.00
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 Cruz compares
The CONUS standard rate, used anywhere in California outside a named locality, is $113 a night plus $68 M&IE. Santa Cruz peaks $68 a night higher.
Other California localities: Santa Monica ($283), Santa Rosa ($163), South Lake Tahoe ($262), Stockton ($137), Sunnyvale / Palo Alto / San Jose ($218), Tahoe City ($132), Truckee ($178), Visalia ($136). All California rates.
For travel nurses on assignment in Santa Cruz
An agency can pay housing and meal stipends tax-free up to $1,869 a week here at the peak ($1,645 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 Cruz per diem rate for 2026-27?
For fiscal year 2027 (October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027), GSA sets Santa Cruz, California at $149 to $181 a night for lodging depending on the month, and $86 a day for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE). The locality covers Santa Cruz.
What is the first and last day M&IE in Santa Cruz?
$64.50, which is 75% of the $86 full-day rate, per GSA's M&IE breakdown.
Is Santa Cruz per diem higher than the standard rate?
Yes. At its peak, Santa Cruz lodging is $68 a night above the $113 CONUS standard rate, and M&IE is $86 against the standard $68.
What was the Santa Cruz per diem in 2026?
Calendar 2026 spans two GSA fiscal years. January to September 2026 used FY2026 rates: lodging $139–$176 a night and M&IE $86 a day. October to December 2026 use FY2027 rates: lodging $149–$181 a night and M&IE $86 a day.