From the vibrant equestrian culture of Lexington to the major logistics and healthcare hubs in Louisville, Kentucky is a dynamic center for business, manufacturing, and tourism. For organizations with employees traveling to Kentucky, understanding the nuances of per diem rates is key to efficient and compliant expense management.
Per diem, a daily allowance for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses, is the most common method for handling travel reimbursements. This guide provides a comprehensive look at the federal per diem rates for Kentucky, clarifies important state laws, and shows how to automate the entire process.
Kentucky Per Diem Rate
Per diem rates for official travel in Kentucky 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:
Major Business Centers
Kentucky's largest metro areas have specific Non-Standard Area (NSA) rates.
- Louisville (Jefferson County):
- M&IE: $80 per day
- Lodging: Seasonal, with peak rates of $164 per night (Oct, Sep) and rates as low as $120 per night (Nov-Jan).
- Lexington (Fayette County):
- M&IE: $80 per day
- Lodging: A flat rate of $118 per night.
The first and last day of travel for these locations, the M&IE rate is $60.00.
Other Notable Locations
It's important to note how rates are handled in metro areas that cross state lines.
- Covington (Kenton County): As part of the Cincinnati, OH metro area, Covington has its own designated high-cost rate.
- M&IE: $86 per day
- Lodging: A flat rate of $163 per night.
- The first and last day of travel, the M&IE rate is $64.50.
Standard CONUS Rate
For any county in Kentucky not specifically listed by the GSA—such as Paducah (McCracken County)—the standard CONUS rate applies. For FY 2025, this rate is $178 ($110 for lodging and $68 for M&IE).
Kentucky Per Diem Rate Calculator
Find the exact per diem allowance for your trip to Kentucky 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.