As a key economic engine in the Upper Midwest, Minnesota is a frequent destination for business travel, drawing visitors to the corporate headquarters of the Twin Cities, the medical innovation hub in Rochester, and its beautiful northern tourism regions. Managing travel expenses across the state requires a clear and compliant per diem policy.
Per diem, a daily allowance for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses, is the federal standard and a best practice for private businesses. This guide offers a detailed overview of Minnesota's per diem rates, the state's important employee-protective laws, and how to automate the reimbursement process for accuracy and efficiency.
Minnesota Per Diem Rates
Per diem rates for official travel in Minnesota are set by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). These rates are mandatory for federal employees and serve as a crucial benchmark for private companies, especially given Minnesota's own laws on expense reimbursement. The rates vary, with the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area and Duluth having higher, seasonal rates.
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 and medical centers have specific Non-Standard Area (NSA) rates.
- Minneapolis / St. Paul (Hennepin & Ramsey Counties):
- M&IE: $92 per day
- Lodging: A flat rate of $148 per night.
- The first and last day of travel M&IE rate is $69.00.
- Rochester (Olmsted County):
- M&IE: $80 per day
- Lodging: A flat rate of $127 per night.
Tourist and High-Cost Areas
Key tourist destinations like Duluth have their own unique, seasonal rates.
- Duluth (St. Louis County):
- M&IE: $86 per day
- Lodging: Seasonal, with a peak rate of $220 per night (June-October) and an off-season rate of $159 per night (November-May).
Standard CONUS Rate
For any county in Minnesota not specifically listed by the GSA, the standard CONUS rate applies. For FY 2025, this rate is $178 ($110 for lodging and $68 for M&IE).
Minnesota Per Diem Rate Calculator
To find the precise per diem allowance for your trip anywhere in Minnesota, our calculator provides instant, accurate results based on the official GSA schedule.