South Lake Tahoe, California Per Diem Rates, FY2027 (2026-27)
GSA sets per diem for the South Lake Tahoe locality (El Dorado) at $168 to $262 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)
$262/night
Lowest month: $168
M&IE
$86/day
First and last day: $64.50
Full week (lodging + M&IE)
$2,436
Lowest month: $1,778
South Lake Tahoe lodging by season
GSA sets lodging by month here. The highest period (Dec–Mar) is $94 a night above the lowest (Apr–May), so the month you travel changes what is reimbursed.
| Months (FY2027) | Lodging / night | Lodging + M&IE / week |
|---|---|---|
| Oct–Nov | $198 | $1,988 |
| Dec–Mar | $262 | $2,436 |
| Apr–May | $168 | $1,778 |
| Jun–Sep | $198 | $1,988 |
South Lake Tahoe 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 $247 to $262 a night (up $15), and M&IE stayed at $86 a day.
| Month (2026) | Fiscal year | Lodging / night | M&IE / day | Total / week |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | FY2026 | $247 | $86 | $2,331 |
| Feb | FY2026 | $247 | $86 | $2,331 |
| Mar | FY2026 | $247 | $86 | $2,331 |
| Apr | FY2026 | $143 | $86 | $1,603 |
| May | FY2026 | $143 | $86 | $1,603 |
| Jun | FY2026 | $171 | $86 | $1,799 |
| Jul | FY2026 | $171 | $86 | $1,799 |
| Aug | FY2026 | $171 | $86 | $1,799 |
| Sep | FY2026 | $141 | $86 | $1,589 |
| Oct | FY2027 | $198 | $86 | $1,988 |
| Nov | FY2027 | $198 | $86 | $1,988 |
| Dec | FY2027 | $262 | $86 | $2,436 |
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 South Lake Tahoe during Dec–Mar:
- Lodging: 4 nights × $262 = $1,048
- M&IE: 3 full days × $86 + 2 travel days × $64.50 = $387.00
- Maximum per diem: $1,435.00
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 South Lake Tahoe compares
The CONUS standard rate, used anywhere in California outside a named locality, is $113 a night plus $68 M&IE. South Lake Tahoe peaks $149 a night higher.
Other California localities: Stockton ($137), Sunnyvale / Palo Alto / San Jose ($218), Tahoe City ($132), Truckee ($178), Visalia ($136), West Sacramento / Davis ($148), Yosemite National Park ($212), Antioch / Brentwood / Concord ($147). All California rates.
For travel nurses on assignment in South Lake Tahoe
An agency can pay housing and meal stipends tax-free up to $2,436 a week here at the peak ($1,778 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 South Lake Tahoe per diem rate for 2026-27?
For fiscal year 2027 (October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027), GSA sets South Lake Tahoe, California at $168 to $262 a night for lodging depending on the month, and $86 a day for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE). The locality covers El Dorado.
What is the first and last day M&IE in South Lake Tahoe?
$64.50, which is 75% of the $86 full-day rate, per GSA's M&IE breakdown.
Is South Lake Tahoe per diem higher than the standard rate?
Yes. At its peak, South Lake Tahoe lodging is $149 a night above the $113 CONUS standard rate, and M&IE is $86 against the standard $68.
What was the South Lake Tahoe per diem in 2026?
Calendar 2026 spans two GSA fiscal years. January to September 2026 used FY2026 rates: lodging $141–$247 a night and M&IE $86 a day. October to December 2026 use FY2027 rates: lodging $168–$262 a night and M&IE $86 a day.