Resources & Job Aids: Per Diem Rates

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General Information

If the traveler elects to be reimbursed based on per diem rates, he/she can choose:

  • full per diem reimbursement which covers lodging, meals and incidentals, or
  • actual lodging expenses, plus meals-only per diem.

The reimbursement option selected must be used for the entire trip.

Stanford uses per diem rates recommended by the US government to take advantage of governmental cost studies and to ensure general equity with grant and contract requirements.

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Determining Per Diem Rates

(rates valid October 2006 through September 2007)

Find the city (or county if city not listed) and corresponding rates at these government sites:

  • For travel within the contiguous United States, go to: http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/contentView.do?contentId=17943&contentType=GSA_BASIC

  • For travel in higher Alaska, Hawaii and foreign locales, go to: http://www.state.gov/m/a/als/prdm/.

  • For stays longer than 30 days: you must multiply the daily rate listed on these government sites by .55.

    Note: When an individual's original estimated travel is for more than 30 days in one location, these reduced rates (.55 x listed rate) apply from the first day. When an individual in travel status at a location is granted extension to a trip originally estimated at less than 30 days, the 30-days-or-less rate applies for the first 30 days and the more-than-30-days rate applies from the 31st day through the end of the trip.

  • If the county in which you stayed is not listed, use the Basic Rate shown, noted at the top of the government page listing cities and counties.

Automatic per diem calculations for first and last day of travel:
Once you have determined the appropriate rate for the city or county visited, the iOU system automatically calculates the correct amount for the first and last day of travel, at 75% of the meals rate for the first day based on government listed rate for the city traveled to, and 75% of meals rate for the last day, based on the government listed rate for Palo Alto (Santa Clara County.)

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Archived Per Diem Rates

To find rates for previous years, use the government websites and select desired year:

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