Calculate San Francisco's per diem rate based on GSA guidelines to simplify your business travels.
As a global nexus for technology, finance, and innovation, San Francisco is one of the world's premier destinations for business travel. For any organization sending employees to this iconic and high-cost city, a precise and compliant strategy for managing travel expenses is not just important—it's essential.
Per diem, a daily allowance for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses, offers a structured method for reimbursement. This guide provides a comprehensive look at the per diem rates for San Francisco and the Bay Area, clarifies crucial California labor laws, and shows how to automate the entire process.
Per diem rates for official travel in California are set by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). These federal rates are mandatory for federal employees and serve as a vital benchmark for private sector companies, especially given California's strict employee reimbursement laws.
For Fiscal Year 2025 (October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025), key rates for the Bay Area are broken down as follows:
San Francisco and its neighboring Silicon Valley and East Bay hubs have some of the highest Non-Standard Area (NSA) rates in the country.
The first and last day of travel for these locations, the M&IE rate is $69.00.
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 the Bay Area 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 in San Francisco 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 city like San Francisco, managing travel expenses demands a system built for precision, compliance, and speed. Fyle’s intelligent expense management platform is designed to help innovative companies master this challenge effortlessly.
Here’s how Fyle helps you conquer San Francisco travel expenses:
With Fyle, you can confidently manage your San Francisco 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.
