Positioned at the crossroads of America, Missouri's economy is a diverse mix of corporate headquarters, advanced manufacturing, and agricultural innovation. Business travel here isn't confined to one location. For companies managing this bi-state travel, a clear and efficient per diem policy is essential.
This guide is designed to bring clarity to that process. We'll explore the official GSA per diem rates for Missouri's key metro areas, explain the state's legal landscape regarding employee expenses, and show you how to streamline your reimbursement system.
Missouri Per Diem Rate
Per diem rates for official travel in Missouri 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 Metro Areas
Missouri's two largest metro areas, located on opposite sides of the state, have their own designated Non-Standard Area (NSA) rates.
- St. Louis (St. Louis City & St. Louis and St. Charles Counties):
- M&IE: $86 per day
- Lodging: A flat rate of $150 per night.
- Kansas City (Jackson, Clay, Cass, & Platte Counties):
- M&IE: $80 per day
- Lodging: A flat rate of $135 per night.
The first and last day of travel, the M&IE rate is $64.50 for St. Louis and $60.00 for Kansas City.
Standard CONUS Rate
For any county in Missouri not specifically listed by the GSA—including other major cities like Springfield (Greene County) or the state capital of Jefferson City (Cole County)—the standard CONUS rate applies. For FY 2025, this rate is $178 ($110 for lodging and $68 for M&IE).
Missouri Per Diem Rate Calculator
Find the exact per diem allowance for your business trip to Missouri 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.