Calculate San Diego's per diem rate based on GSA guidelines to simplify your business travels.
With its world-class biotech industry, major military presence, and status as a top-tier convention destination, San Diego is a hub of year-round business travel. For any organization with employees traveling to San Diego, navigating the high cost of travel requires a clear and compliant expense management strategy.
Per diem, a daily allowance for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses, provides a structured method for reimbursement. This guide offers a comprehensive look at the per diem rates for San Diego, clarifies crucial California labor laws, and shows how you can automate the entire process for compliance and efficiency.
Per diem rates for official travel in San Diego 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 establish an IRS-compliant reimbursement policy.
For Fiscal Year 2025 (October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025), key rates for the area are broken down as follows:
As a major travel destination, the city of San Diego and all of San Diego County have their own specific Non-Standard Area (NSA) rates that fluctuate with the seasons.
For any county in California not specifically listed by the GSA, the standard CONUS rate applies. For example, business travel to El Centro in Imperial County would fall under this rate. For FY 2025, the standard rate is $178 ($110 for lodging and $68 for M&IE).
Find the exact per diem allowance for your trip to San Diego 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.
California has some of the strongest employee protection laws in the country regarding business expenses, which all employers must follow.
It's crucial for California employers to understand how state law interacts with the federal per diem system.
In a high-cost, highly regulated state like California, managing travel expenses demands precision and robust compliance controls. Fyle’s intelligent expense management platform removes the risk and complexity, ensuring your process is both compliant and effortless.
Here’s how Fyle helps you master San Diego travel expenses:
With Fyle, you can confidently manage your San Diego travel expenses, ensuring you meet your legal obligations under California law while providing a world-class experience for your employees.
The content on this page is for informational use. As legal standards and per diem rates are subject to change, users should verify current details with official GSA or government resources. This information does not serve as financial or legal counsel.
