As a major economic and cultural hub on the Mississippi River, St. Louis is a key destination for business travel in the Midwest. Home to major corporations, leading healthcare systems, and a vibrant research community, the city hosts a steady stream of professional visitors.
For organizations with employees traveling to St. Louis, a clear understanding of per diem rates is essential for managing expenses effectively. This guide provides a detailed look at the per diem rates for St. Louis, important Missouri laws for employers, and how to simplify the reimbursement process.
St Louis Per Diem Rates
St. Louis is designated as a Non-Standard Area (NSA) by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), which means it has its own specific per diem rates that are higher than the standard U.S. rate. These rates are mandatory for federal employees and are widely used as a benchmark by private companies.
For Fiscal Year 2025 (October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025), the rates are as follows:
St. Louis Area Rates (St. Louis City, St. Louis & St. Charles Counties)
- M&IE: The Meals and Incidental Expenses rate is $86 per day.
- Lodging: The maximum lodging allowance is a flat rate of $150 per night for the entire year.
- First and Last Day of Travel: On the first and last day of a trip, the M&IE allowance is calculated at 75% of the full daily rate, which amounts to $64.50.
It's important to note these rates apply to the City of St. Louis as well as all locations within St. Louis and St. Charles counties.
St Louis Per Diem Rate Calculator
To easily determine the correct allowance for your trip to St. Louis, our per diem calculator provides instant and accurate results based on the official GSA schedule.