Helena, Montana Per Diem Rates, FY2027 (2026-27)
GSA sets per diem for the Helena locality (Lewis and Clark) at $140 a night for lodging all year, and $74 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
$140/night
M&IE
$74/day
First and last day: $55.50
Full week (lodging + M&IE)
$1,498
Helena lodging is the same all year
GSA holds Helena at $140 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 | $140 | $1,498 |
Helena 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 $132 to $140 a night (up $8), and M&IE stayed at $74 a day.
| Month (2026) | Fiscal year | Lodging / night | M&IE / day | Total / week |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | FY2026 | $132 | $74 | $1,442 |
| Feb | FY2026 | $132 | $74 | $1,442 |
| Mar | FY2026 | $132 | $74 | $1,442 |
| Apr | FY2026 | $132 | $74 | $1,442 |
| May | FY2026 | $132 | $74 | $1,442 |
| Jun | FY2026 | $132 | $74 | $1,442 |
| Jul | FY2026 | $132 | $74 | $1,442 |
| Aug | FY2026 | $132 | $74 | $1,442 |
| Sep | FY2026 | $132 | $74 | $1,442 |
| Oct | FY2027 | $140 | $74 | $1,498 |
| Nov | FY2027 | $140 | $74 | $1,498 |
| Dec | FY2027 | $140 | $74 | $1,498 |
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 Helena during Oct–Sep:
- Lodging: 4 nights × $140 = $560
- M&IE: 3 full days × $74 + 2 travel days × $55.50 = $333.00
- Maximum per diem: $893.00
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 Helena compares
The CONUS standard rate, used anywhere in Montana outside a named locality, is $113 a night plus $68 M&IE. Helena peaks $27 a night higher.
Other Montana localities: Big Sky / West Yellowstone/Gardiner ($326), Kalispell/Whitefish ($244), Missoula ($199). All Montana rates.
For travel nurses on assignment in Helena
An agency can pay housing and meal stipends tax-free up to $1,498 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 Helena per diem rate for 2026-27?
For fiscal year 2027 (October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027), GSA sets Helena, Montana at $140 a night for lodging all year, and $74 a day for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE). The locality covers Lewis and Clark.
What is the first and last day M&IE in Helena?
$55.50, which is 75% of the $74 full-day rate, per GSA's M&IE breakdown.
Is Helena per diem higher than the standard rate?
Yes. At its peak, Helena lodging is $27 a night above the $113 CONUS standard rate, and M&IE is $74 against the standard $68.
What was the Helena per diem in 2026?
Calendar 2026 spans two GSA fiscal years. January to September 2026 used FY2026 rates: lodging $132 a night and M&IE $74 a day. October to December 2026 use FY2027 rates: lodging $140 a night and M&IE $74 a day.