As the capital of Ohio and a major center for government, education, and business, Columbus is a key travel destination in the Midwest. Whether you're visiting for a conference, a government meeting, or corporate business, understanding how to manage travel expenses is crucial.
Per diem, the fixed daily allowance for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses, provides a clear and efficient framework for reimbursement. This guide will detail the specific per diem rates for Columbus, Ohio, explain relevant state laws, and show you how to automate the entire process for maximum efficiency.
Columbus Per Diem Rates
For federal travel purposes, Columbus is designated as a Non-Standard Area (NSA) by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), meaning it has specific per diem rates that are higher than the standard U.S. rate. These federal rates are the required standard for government employees and a widely used benchmark for private businesses.
For Fiscal Year 2025 (October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025), the per diem rates for Columbus (Franklin County) are:
- Lodging: $131 per night
- Meals & Incidental Expenses (M&IE): $80 per day
Key details about these rates include:
- No Seasonal Variation: Unlike many other major cities, the lodging rate for Columbus is a flat $131 throughout the entire fiscal year.
- Geographic Area: These rates apply to all locations within Franklin County.
- Standard Rate for Other Ohio Locations: For any county in Ohio not specifically listed by the GSA, the standard CONUS rate applies. For FY 2025, this is $178 ($110 for lodging and $68 for M&IE).
Columbus Per Diem Rate Calculator
To easily calculate the correct allowance for your trip to Columbus, our per diem calculator provides instant and accurate results based on the official GSA schedule.