As a global hub for the energy industry and home to the world's largest medical center, Houston is a vital destination for business travel. Navigating travel expenses in this sprawling metropolis requires a clear and consistent strategy.
Per diem, a fixed daily allowance for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses, is the standard method used by federal agencies and many private businesses to efficiently manage these costs. This guide offers a detailed look at the per diem rates for Houston, key Texas laws that affect employers, and how you can simplify the entire reimbursement process.
Houston Per Diem Rates
Houston 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 to reflect local costs. These rates are mandatory for federal employees and are widely used as a benchmark by private companies.
For Fiscal Year 2025 (October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025), the rates are as follows:
Houston Area Rates (Harris County)
- M&IE: The Meals and Incidental Expenses rate is $80 per day.
- Lodging: The maximum lodging allowance is a flat rate of $128 per night for the entire year.
- First and Last Day of Travel: On the first and last day of a trip, the M&IE allowance is calculated at 75% of the full daily rate, which amounts to $60.00.
It's important to note these rates apply to all locations within Harris County.
Houston Per Diem Rate Calculator
To easily determine the correct allowance for your trip to Houston, our per diem calculator provides instant and accurate results based on the official GSA schedule.