As a global leader in education, biotechnology, and finance, Boston is a top-tier destination for business travel, academic conferences, and corporate meetings. For any organization sending employees to this historic and high-cost city, a precise and compliant strategy for managing travel expenses is essential.
Per diem, a daily allowance for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses, offers a structured method for reimbursement. This guide provides a detailed look at the per diem rates for Boston, clarifies crucial Massachusetts labor laws, and shows how you can automate the entire process.
Boston Per Diem Rate
Per diem rates for official travel in Boston 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 for the Boston area are broken down as follows:
Boston & Cambridge Area
The heart of the metro area, including Boston, Cambridge, and all of Suffolk County, has some of the highest and most seasonally-variable rates in the nation.
- Boston / Cambridge (Suffolk County & the City of Cambridge):
- M&IE: $92 per day
- Lodging: Highly seasonal, with peak rates of $349 per night (Oct, Sep) and rates as low as $209 per night in the winter.
- Burlington / Woburn (Middlesex County, excluding Cambridge):
- M&IE: $86 per day
- Lodging: Seasonal, with rates of $178 per night (May-Oct) and $144 per night for all other months.
The first and last day of travel, the M&IE rate is $69.00 for Boston/Cambridge and $64.50 for the Burlington/Woburn area.
Standard CONUS Rate
For any county in Massachusetts 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).
Boston Per Diem Rate Calculator
Find the exact per diem allowance for your trip to Boston 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 seasonal lodging and M&IE rates based on the official GSA schedule.