With its unique blend of culture, art, technology, and government research, New Mexico is a significant destination for business travel. From the historic capital of Santa Fe to the growing tech and business hub of Albuquerque, managing travel expenses effectively is crucial for any organization.
Per diem, a daily allowance for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses, provides a streamlined approach to reimbursement. This guide offers a comprehensive look at the per diem rates applicable in New Mexico, important state laws for employers, and how you can simplify the entire process.
New Mexico Per Diem Rates
For official travel, per diem rates in New Mexico 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. The rates vary, with key cities and tourist destinations having their own designated 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 largest city has its own specific Non-Standard Area (NSA) rate.
- Albuquerque (Bernalillo County):
- M&IE: $80 per day
- Lodging: A flat rate of $144 per night.
Tourist and High-Cost Areas
Popular tourist destinations like Santa Fe have unique, highly seasonal rates.
- Santa Fe (Santa Fe County):
- M&IE: $80 per day
- Lodging: Highly seasonal, with rates of $167 (most of the year), dropping to $142 (Nov-Dec) and $122 (Jan-Feb).
- The first and last day of travel M&IE rate is $60.00.
Standard CONUS Rate
For any county in New Mexico 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).
New Mexico Per Diem Rate Calculator
To find the precise per diem allowance for your trip anywhere in New Mexico, our calculator provides instant, accurate results based on the official GSA schedule.