Quick Guide to Understanding Your TDY Per Diem Rates

As someone who has navigated per diem rates across dozens of TDY destinations, I can tell you that per diem rates determine how much you receive for lodging and meals during temporary duty. I learned everything through experience and a few surprises when rates weren’t what I expected. Getting a handle on these rates helps you budget effectively and potentially save some money during your travels.

How Per Diem Works

Probably should have led with this: the Defense Travel Management Office sets per diem rates based on where you’re going. High-cost areas like Washington DC, San Diego, and other major cities get higher rates than rural locations. Your per diem covers two separate things.

The lodging portion reimburses your actual hotel costs up to the maximum rate. That’s what makes the M&IE portion endearing to us budget-conscious travelers: the meals and incidental expenses portion gives you a flat daily amount regardless of what you actually spend.

Finding Your Rate

Head to the Defense Travel Management Office website and use their per diem lookup tool. Enter your TDY destination and travel dates. Has gotten complicated with all the seasonal variations and locality-specific rates, but rates change annually on October 1st and might have seasonal variations for some locations.

Maximizing Your Per Diem

Book lodging at or below the maximum rate to get full reimbursement. The M&IE portion is yours to manage however you want. 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 adds up to significant savings over multiple TDY trips.