Arizona Per Diem Allowance

Calculate Arizona’s per diem rate based on GSA guidelines to simplify your business travels.

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With its world-class resorts, major convention centers, and iconic natural wonders, Arizona is a premier destination for business and tourism. From corporate events in Phoenix and Scottsdale to travel related to the tech and research sectors in Tucson, managing expenses in the Grand Canyon State requires a clear strategy. 

Per diem, a daily allowance for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses, provides a streamlined way to handle travel reimbursements. This guide offers a comprehensive look at the per diem rates for Arizona, important state laws for employers, and how to automate the entire process for efficiency.

Arizona Per Diem Rates

Per diem rates for official travel in Arizona are set by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). These rates are mandatory for federal employees and serve as a common benchmark for private companies. Rates vary significantly across the state, with dramatic seasonal changes based on peak tourist seasons.

For Fiscal Year 2025 (October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025), key rates are broken down as follows:

Major Metro Areas 

Arizona's primary business hubs have specific, seasonally-adjusted Non-Standard Area (NSA) rates.

  • Phoenix / Scottsdale (Maricopa County):
    • M&IE: $86 per day
    • Lodging: Highly seasonal, with rates of $231 (Nov-Mar), $187 (Oct, Apr-May), and $131 (Jun-Sep).
    • The first and last day of travel M&IE rate is $64.50.
  • Tucson (Pima County):
    • M&IE: $74 per day
    • Lodging: Seasonal, with a rate of $158 per night (October-May) and $112 per night (June-September).

Tourist and High-Cost Areas 

Key tourist destinations, especially in Northern Arizona, have their own unique, seasonal rates.

  • Grand Canyon National Park / Tusayan (Coconino County):
    • M&IE: $86 per day
    • Lodging: Seasonal, with a peak rate of $242 per night (March-October) and an off-season rate of $131(November-February).
  • Flagstaff (Coconino County):
    • M&IE: $80 per day
    • Lodging: Seasonal, with a rate of $151 per night (March-October) and $117 per night (November-February).

Standard CONUS Rate 

For any county in Arizona not specifically listed by the GSA, the standard CONUS rate applies. For FY 2025, this rate is $178 ($110 for lodging and $68 for M&IE).

Arizona Per Diem Rate Calculator

To find the precise per diem allowance for your trip anywhere in Arizona, our calculator provides instant, accurate results based on the official GSA schedule.

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Your per diem allowance

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Lodging (L)
Meals & Incidentals (M&IE)
Total (L + M&IE)
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Meals & Incidentals (M&IE)
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*For the first and last day of travel, M&lE spend is limited to 75% of its normal, daily allowance.

Arizona GSA Lodging Rates

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Arizona Meals and Incidental Rates

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Some Important Arizona Per Diem Laws

For private employers, the legal framework in Arizona regarding expense reimbursement is guided by company policy and federal law, as the state has minimal specific regulations on this topic.

  • No State Law Mandating Expense Reimbursement: Arizona law does not require private employers to reimburse employees for business-related travel expenses. The decision to pay a per diem or reimburse actual costs is based entirely on the employer's internal policy or employment agreement.
  • Company Policy is Key: While not mandated by law, if an employer establishes a policy to reimburse expenses, that policy creates a binding contract. An employee could sue for breach of contract if the employer fails to follow its own written rules.
  • Arizona Minimum Wage: Arizona's minimum wage is adjusted annually for inflation and is significantly higher than the federal standard. For 2025, the estimated minimum wage is $14.81 per hour.
  • Federal FLSA Protections: The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) provides the primary legal protection for employees. This law ensures that required business expenses paid by an employee do not cause their effective hourly pay to fall below Arizona's high minimum wage.

Arizona Per Diem Laws vs Federal Law

The per diem rules for a private company employee in Arizona are fundamentally different from the GSA system that governs federal employees.

Primary Applicability

  • Federal Law (GSA): Mandatory for all U.S. federal government employees on official business in Arizona.
  • Arizona Law: State law does not set per diem rules for private employers. The primary legal considerations are the employer's own policies and the federal FLSA minimum wage protection.

Rate Setting and Usage

  • Federal Law (GSA): The GSA sets specific, non-negotiable per diem rates for various locations in Arizona that federal agencies must use.
  • Arizona Law: The state does not set or regulate per diem rates. Private companies have the flexibility to design their own travel reimbursement policies. Using GSA rates is a common business practice for fairness but is not a legal requirement.

Legal Focus

  • Federal Law (GSA): Aims to create a uniform, cost-controlled system for all government travel.
  • Arizona Law: Relies on employment agreements and federal law. If a company promises reimbursement, it is expected to adhere to its policy.

How Fyle Can Automate Per Diem and Expense Tracking

With dramatic seasonal rate changes and multiple distinct business and tourist hubs, managing travel expenses across Arizona requires a system that is accurate, efficient, and compliant with your company policies. Fyle’s intelligent expense management platform is designed to handle these challenges seamlessly.

Fyle helps you master Arizona per diem and expense tracking:

  • Automated and Accurate Rate Application: Fyle automatically applies the correct GSA per diem rates for any destination in Arizona, whether it's for Phoenix, the Grand Canyon, or a location covered by the standard rate. It instantly accounts for complex seasonal changes and the 75% M&IE rule.
  • Enforce Your Company’s Policy: Since your internal policy is the binding standard in Arizona, consistent enforcement is crucial. Fyle allows you to build your specific rules directly into the system, automatically flagging any submissions that are out of policy.
  • Real-Time Expense Capture: Empower your employees to report expenses on the go. A quick photo of a receipt from Fyle’s mobile app or a forwarded email is all it takes to create an expense entry, eliminating post-trip administrative work.
  • Proactive Compliance Engine: Fyle’s platform checks every expense against your policies before it gets submitted. This saves your finance team countless hours of manual review and ensures every expense report is accurate from the start.
  • IRS-Compliant Mileage Tracking: For employees driving across the state, Fyle’s Google Maps-powered mileage tracker provides an easy and accurate way to log trips for reimbursement.
  • Direct Accounting Integration: Fyle syncs seamlessly with all major accounting software, including NetSuite, QuickBooks, Xero, and Sage Intacct. All approved per diem and travel data flows directly into your general ledger, saving time and ensuring financial accuracy.

With Fyle, you can confidently manage your Arizona travel expense process, ensuring you meet your policy obligations while providing a modern, hassle-free experience for your employees.

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The content on this page is for informational use. As legal standards and per diem rates are subject to change, users should verify current details with official GSA or government resources. This information does not serve as financial or legal counsel.