Columbia, Maryland Per Diem Rates, FY2027 (2026-27)
GSA sets per diem for the Columbia locality (Howard) at $116 a night for lodging all year, 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
$116/night
M&IE
$86/day
First and last day: $64.50
Full week (lodging + M&IE)
$1,414
Columbia lodging is the same all year
GSA holds Columbia at $116 a night in every month of FY2027, so the travel month does not change the lodging ceiling.
| Months (FY2027) | Lodging / night | Lodging + M&IE / week |
|---|---|---|
| Oct–Sep | $116 | $1,414 |
Columbia 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 $113 to $116 a night (up $3), and M&IE stayed at $86 a day.
| Month (2026) | Fiscal year | Lodging / night | M&IE / day | Total / week |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | FY2026 | $113 | $86 | $1,393 |
| Feb | FY2026 | $113 | $86 | $1,393 |
| Mar | FY2026 | $113 | $86 | $1,393 |
| Apr | FY2026 | $113 | $86 | $1,393 |
| May | FY2026 | $113 | $86 | $1,393 |
| Jun | FY2026 | $113 | $86 | $1,393 |
| Jul | FY2026 | $113 | $86 | $1,393 |
| Aug | FY2026 | $113 | $86 | $1,393 |
| Sep | FY2026 | $113 | $86 | $1,393 |
| Oct | FY2027 | $116 | $86 | $1,414 |
| Nov | FY2027 | $116 | $86 | $1,414 |
| Dec | FY2027 | $116 | $86 | $1,414 |
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 Columbia during Oct–Sep:
- Lodging: 4 nights × $116 = $464
- M&IE: 3 full days × $86 + 2 travel days × $64.50 = $387.00
- Maximum per diem: $851.00
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 Columbia compares
The CONUS standard rate, used anywhere in Maryland outside a named locality, is $113 a night plus $68 M&IE. Columbia peaks $3 a night higher.
Other Maryland localities: Aberdeen / Bel Air / Belcamp ($117), Annapolis ($169), Baltimore City ($166), Cambridge / St. Michaels ($195), Centreville ($164), Ocean City ($306). All Maryland rates.
For travel nurses on assignment in Columbia
An agency can pay housing and meal stipends tax-free up to $1,414 a week here at the peak, and only if you keep a qualifying tax home. Check an offer with the stipend calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Columbia per diem rate for 2026-27?
For fiscal year 2027 (October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027), GSA sets Columbia, Maryland at $116 a night for lodging all year, and $86 a day for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE). The locality covers Howard.
What is the first and last day M&IE in Columbia?
$64.50, which is 75% of the $86 full-day rate, per GSA's M&IE breakdown.
Is Columbia per diem higher than the standard rate?
Yes. At its peak, Columbia lodging is $3 a night above the $113 CONUS standard rate, and M&IE is $86 against the standard $68.
What was the Columbia per diem in 2026?
Calendar 2026 spans two GSA fiscal years. January to September 2026 used FY2026 rates: lodging $113 a night and M&IE $86 a day. October to December 2026 use FY2027 rates: lodging $116 a night and M&IE $86 a day.