Alabama is a key business destination in the southern United States. For organizations with employees traveling to Alabama, a clear per diem strategy is essential for managing expenses effectively.
Per diem, a daily allowance for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses, is the standard method for handling travel reimbursements. This guide offers a detailed look at the federal per diem rates for Alabama, clarifies important state laws, and shows how you can automate the entire process.
Alabama Per Diem Rate
Per diem rates for official travel in Alabama are set by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). These federal rates are mandatory for federal employees and serve as a common benchmark for private sector companies looking to create an IRS-compliant reimbursement policy.
For Fiscal Year 2025 (October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025), key rates are broken down as follows:
Major Business and Tourist Centers
Alabama's primary cities and coastal destinations have their own designated Non-Standard Area (NSA) rates.
- Huntsville (Madison County):
- M&IE: $74 per day
- Lodging: Seasonal, with a rate of $141 per night (Oct-Mar, Aug-Sep) and $134 per night (Apr-Jul).
- Birmingham (Jefferson County):
- M&IE: $80 per day
- Lodging: A flat rate of $126 per night.
- Gulf Shores (Baldwin County):
- M&IE: $74 per day
- Lodging: Highly seasonal, with a peak summer rate of $216 per night (June-July) and rates as low as $134 per night in the off-season.
The first and last day of travel, the M&IE rate is $55.50 for Huntsville and Gulf Shores, and $60.00 for Birmingham.
Standard CONUS Rate
For any county in Alabama not specifically listed by the GSA—such as Montgomery (Montgomery County), the state capital—the standard CONUS rate applies. For FY 2025, this rate is $178 ($110 for lodging and $68 for M&IE).
Alabama Per Diem Rate Calculator
Find the exact per diem allowance for your business trip to Alabama with our easy-to-use calculator. Select the fiscal year, choose your destination, and input your travel dates. The tool will instantly provide the correct lodging and M&IE rates based on the official GSA schedule.