As a vital center for military operations, a top-tier tourist destination, and a rapidly growing hub for business, San Antonio is a unique and important destination for corporate travel. For any organization with employees visiting San Antonio, a clear and efficient strategy for managing expenses is key to success.
Per diem, a daily allowance for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses, is the most common method for handling travel reimbursements. This guide provides a detailed look at the per diem rates for San Antonio, clarifies important Texas laws for employers, and shows how you can automate the entire process.
San Antonio Per Diem Rate
Per diem rates for official travel in Texas 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 for San Antonio are broken down as follows:
Major Business and Military Hub
San Antonio's status as a major travel destination means it has its own specific Non-Standard Area (NSA) rates that are higher than the standard U.S. rate.
- San Antonio (Bexar County):
- M&IE: $74 per day
- Lodging: Seasonal, with a peak rate of $161 per night (Feb-Mar) and a rate of $137 per night for all other months.
- The first and last day of travel, the M&IE rate is $55.50.
Standard CONUS Rate
For any county in Texas not specifically listed by the GSA—such as Waco (McLennan County) or Corpus Christi (Nueces County)—the standard CONUS rate applies. For FY 2025, this rate is $178 ($110 for lodging and $68 for M&IE).
San Antonio Per Diem Rate Calculator
Find the exact per diem allowance for your trip to San Antonio 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.