Denver is a premier destination for business travel, hosting major conferences and serving key industries from technology to aerospace. For any organization with employees traveling to Denver, having a clear and compliant per diem policy is a critical component of effective financial management.
This guide is designed to provide clarity on travel expenses in Denver. We will cover the official GSA per diem rates, explain the laws that govern employee reimbursement in Colorado, and show you how to streamline the entire process.
Denver Per Diem Rate
Per diem rates for official travel in Denver 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 Denver area are broken down as follows:
Denver Metro Area
The core counties of the Denver metro area have specific Non-Standard Area (NSA) rates with significant seasonal variations.
- Denver / Aurora (Denver, Adams, Arapahoe, & Jefferson Counties):
- M&IE: $92 per day
- Lodging: Seasonal, with a peak rate of $215 per night (Oct, Apr-Sep) and a rate of $165 per night for all other months.
- Boulder / Broomfield (Boulder & Broomfield Counties):
- M&IE: $80 per day
- Lodging: Seasonal, with a rate of $173 per night (Oct, May-Sep) and a rate of $125 per night for all other months.
The first and last day of travel, the M&IE rate is $69.00 for the Denver/Aurora area and $60.00 for Boulder/Broomfield.
Standard CONUS Rate
For any county in Colorado 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).
Denver Per Diem Rate Calculator
Find the exact per diem allowance for your business trip to Denver 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.