Rhode Island is a key destination for business and academic travel. For organizations with employees traveling Rhode Island, a clear and efficient per diem strategy is essential for managing expenses in a state with diverse and seasonal costs.
This guide is designed to provide clarity on travel expenses in Rhode Island. We will cover the official GSA per diem rates, explain the laws that govern employee reimbursement, and show you how to streamline the entire process.
Rhode Island Per Diem Rate
Per diem rates for official travel in Rhode Island 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 and Tourist Destinations
Rhode Island's primary cities and tourist hotspots have their own designated Non-Standard Area (NSA) rates.
- Providence / Bristol (Providence & Bristol Counties):
- M&IE: $80 per day
- Lodging: A flat rate of $154 per night.
- Newport (Newport County, including Jamestown & Middletown):
- M&IE: $80 per day
- Lodging: Highly seasonal, with a peak summer rate of $268 per night (June-Aug) and rates as low as $141 per night in the off-season.
The first and last day of travel for these locations, the M&IE rate is $60.00.
Standard CONUS Rate
For any county in Rhode Island not specifically listed by the GSA—such as Washington County—the standard CONUS rate applies. For FY 2025, this rate is $178 ($110 for lodging and $68 for M&IE).
Rhode Island Per Diem Rate Calculator
Find the exact per diem allowance for your business trip to Rhode Island 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.