With its strategic location bordering Washington D.C. and its thriving biotech, defense, and maritime industries, Maryland is a crucial destination for both government and commercial business travel. For organizations with employees working in Maryland, a clear strategy for managing travel expenses is key to maintaining budgets and ensuring compliance.
Per diem, a daily allowance for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses, is the most common method for handling travel reimbursements. This guide offers a detailed look at the federal per diem rates for Maryland, clarifies important state laws, and shows how you can automate the entire process.
Maryland Per Diem Rate
Per diem rates for official travel in Maryland 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:
Washington D.C. Metro Area
The Maryland suburbs of Washington D.C. have some of the highest per diem rates in the nation, which are aligned with the capital itself.
- Bethesda / Rockville (Montgomery County) & Greenbelt (Prince George's County):
- M&IE: $92 per day
- Lodging: Highly seasonal, with a peak rate of $276 per night and off-season rates as low as $183 per night.
- The first and last day of travel, the M&IE rate is $69.00.
Other Major Business and Tourist Centers
Maryland's other key cities have their own designated Non-Standard Area (NSA) rates.
- Baltimore (Baltimore City):
- M&IE: $86 per day
- Lodging: A flat rate of $150 per night.
- Annapolis (Anne Arundel County):
- M&IE: $80 per day
- Lodging: Seasonal, with a rate of $161 per night (Oct, May-Sep) and $125 per night for all other months.
- Ocean City (Worcester County):
- M&IE: $80 per day
- Lodging: Highly seasonal, with a peak summer rate of $295 per night (June-Aug) and a rate of $115 per night for all other months.
The first and last day of travel, the M&IE rate is $64.50 for Baltimore and $60.00 for Annapolis and Ocean City.
Maryland Per Diem Rate Calculator
Find the exact per diem allowance for your business trip to Maryland 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.