Chicago, Illinois Per Diem Rates, FY2027 (2026-27)
GSA sets per diem for the Chicago locality (Cook / Lake) at $148 to $238 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.
Cities on this site in this locality: Chicago, Elgin.
Source: U.S. General Services Administration, read 2026-10-15. Lodging excludes taxes.
Lodging (peak)
$238/night
Lowest month: $148
M&IE
$92/day
First and last day: $69.00
Full week (lodging + M&IE)
$2,310
Lowest month: $1,680
Chicago lodging by season
GSA sets lodging by month here. The highest period (Apr–Jun) is $90 a night above the lowest (Dec–Mar), so the month you travel changes what is reimbursed.
| Months (FY2027) | Lodging / night | Lodging + M&IE / week |
|---|---|---|
| Oct–Nov | $232 | $2,268 |
| Dec–Mar | $148 | $1,680 |
| Apr–Jun | $238 | $2,310 |
| Jul–Aug | $213 | $2,135 |
| Sep | $232 | $2,268 |
Chicago 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 $234 to $238 a night (up $4), and M&IE stayed at $92 a day.
| Month (2026) | Fiscal year | Lodging / night | M&IE / day | Total / week |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | FY2026 | $142 | $92 | $1,638 |
| Feb | FY2026 | $142 | $92 | $1,638 |
| Mar | FY2026 | $142 | $92 | $1,638 |
| Apr | FY2026 | $234 | $92 | $2,282 |
| May | FY2026 | $234 | $92 | $2,282 |
| Jun | FY2026 | $234 | $92 | $2,282 |
| Jul | FY2026 | $202 | $92 | $2,058 |
| Aug | FY2026 | $202 | $92 | $2,058 |
| Sep | FY2026 | $223 | $92 | $2,205 |
| Oct | FY2027 | $232 | $92 | $2,268 |
| Nov | FY2027 | $232 | $92 | $2,268 |
| Dec | FY2027 | $148 | $92 | $1,680 |
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 Chicago during Apr–Jun:
- Lodging: 4 nights × $238 = $952
- M&IE: 3 full days × $92 + 2 travel days × $69.00 = $414.00
- Maximum per diem: $1,366.00
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 Chicago compares
The CONUS standard rate, used anywhere in Illinois outside a named locality, is $113 a night plus $68 M&IE. Chicago peaks $125 a night higher.
Other Illinois localities: Bolingbrook / Romeoville / Lemont ($119), East St. Louis / O'Fallon / Fairview Heights ($156), Oakbrook Terrace ($123). All Illinois rates.
For travel nurses on assignment in Chicago
An agency can pay housing and meal stipends tax-free up to $2,310 a week here at the peak ($1,680 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 Chicago per diem rate for 2026-27?
For fiscal year 2027 (October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027), GSA sets Chicago, Illinois at $148 to $238 a night for lodging depending on the month, and $92 a day for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE). The locality covers Cook / Lake.
What is the first and last day M&IE in Chicago?
$69.00, which is 75% of the $92 full-day rate, per GSA's M&IE breakdown.
Is Chicago per diem higher than the standard rate?
Yes. At its peak, Chicago lodging is $125 a night above the $113 CONUS standard rate, and M&IE is $92 against the standard $68.
What was the Chicago per diem in 2026?
Calendar 2026 spans two GSA fiscal years. January to September 2026 used FY2026 rates: lodging $142–$234 a night and M&IE $92 a day. October to December 2026 use FY2027 rates: lodging $148–$238 a night and M&IE $92 a day.