Quick Guide to Understanding Your TDY Per Diem Rates

Per diem rates determine how much you receive for lodging and meals during temporary duty. Understanding these rates helps you budget effectively and potentially save money during your travels.

How Per Diem Works

The Defense Travel Management Office sets per diem rates based on location. High-cost areas like Washington DC, San Diego, and major cities receive higher rates than rural locations. Your per diem covers two components.

The lodging portion reimburses actual hotel costs up to the maximum rate. The meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) portion provides a flat daily amount regardless of what you actually spend.

Finding Your Rate

Visit the Defense Travel Management Office website and use their per diem lookup tool. Enter your TDY destination and travel dates. Rates change annually on October 1st and may have seasonal variations for some locations.

Maximizing Your Per Diem

Book lodging at or below the maximum rate to receive full reimbursement. The M&IE portion is yours to manage. Eating at the DFAC or cooking meals in extended-stay hotels lets you pocket the difference.

Know your rates before you travel and plan accordingly. Smart per diem management can add up to significant savings over multiple TDY trips.