Home to a world-class hub of technology, education, and biotechnology, Massachusetts is a primary destination for business travel. From the bustling streets of Boston and Cambridge to the scenic Cape and the state's western regions,managing travel expenses effectively is crucial for any organization.
Per diem, a daily allowance for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses, is a key tool for this purpose. This guide offers a comprehensive look at the per diem rates applicable in Massachusetts, the Commonwealth's important and employee-protective laws, and how you can automate the process for complete compliance.
Massachusetts Per Diem Rates
Per diem rates for official travel in Massachusetts are set by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). These rates are mandatory for federal employees and serve as a critical benchmark for private companies, especially given Massachusetts's own laws on expense reimbursement. The rates vary significantly, with Boston and the Cape Cod islands having some of the highest in the nation.
For Fiscal Year 2025 (October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025), key rates are broken down as follows:
Major Metro Areas
The state's primary business center has its own designated high-cost rates.
- Boston & Cambridge (Suffolk & Middlesex Counties):
- M&IE: $92 per day
- Lodging: Highly seasonal, with the following rates:
- $349 per night (October & September)
- $209 per night (November - February)
- $291 per night (March - August)
- The first and last day of travel M&IE rate is $69.00.
Tourist and High-Cost Areas
The world-famous islands off Cape Cod have some of the highest seasonal per diem rates in the country.
- Martha's Vineyard (Dukes County):
- M&IE: $92 per day
- Lodging: Extremely seasonal, with a peak summer rate of $462 per night (June-September) and an off-season rate of $196.
- Nantucket (Nantucket County):
- M&IE: $92 per day
- Lodging: Also extremely seasonal, with a peak summer rate of $471 per night (June-September) and an off-season rate of $175.
Standard CONUS Rate
For any county in Massachusetts not specifically listed by the GSA—which for FY 2025 includes cities like Springfield (Hampden County)—the standard CONUS rate applies. This rate is $178 ($110 for lodging and $68 for M&IE).
Massachusetts Per Diem Rate Calculator
To find the precise per diem allowance for your trip anywhere in the Commonwealth, our calculator provides instant, accurate results based on the official GSA schedule.