For companies operating in Illinois, a well-defined per diem policy is a key tool for managing the costs of this travel in a legally compliant way.
This guide is designed to bring clarity to that process. We'll explore the official GSA per diem rates for Illinois, explain the state's important laws on employee expense reimbursement, and show you how to streamline your system for efficiency and control.
Illinois Per Diem Rate
Per diem rates for official travel in Illinois 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 are broken down as follows:
Chicago Metro Area
The state's primary business and tourism hub, the Chicago metro area, has some of the highest and most seasonally-variable rates in the country.
- Chicago (Cook & Lake Counties):
- M&IE: $92 per day
- Lodging: Highly seasonal, with peak rates of $234 per night (Apr-June) and rates as low as $142 per night in the winter.
- Oak Brook Terrace (DuPage County):
- M&IE: $80 per day
- Lodging: A flat rate of $115 per night.
The first and last day of travel, the M&IE rate is $69.00 for Chicago and $60.00 for Oak Brook Terrace.
Standard CONUS Rate
For any county in Illinois not specifically listed by the GSA—including other major cities like Springfield (Sangamon County) or Champaign-Urbana (Champaign County)—the standard CONUS rate applies. For FY 2025, this rate is $178 ($110 for lodging and $68 for M&IE).
Illinois Per Diem Rate Calculator
Find the exact per diem allowance for your business trip to Illinois 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.