Tennessee is a key destination for business travel in the Southeast. For organizations with employees on the move in Tennessee, a clear and efficient per diem strategy is essential for managing expenses.
Per diem, a daily allowance for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses, is the standard method for handling travel reimbursements. This guide offers a detailed look at the federal per diem rates for Tennessee, clarifies important state laws, and shows how you can automate the entire process.
Tennessee Per Diem Rate
Per diem rates for official travel in Tennessee 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 Business Centers
Tennessee's primary cities have their own designated Non-Standard Area (NSA) rates that are higher than the standard U.S. rate.
- Nashville (Davidson County):
- M&IE: $86 per day
- Lodging: Seasonal, with a peak rate of $248 per night (Sep-Oct) and a rate of $217 per night for all other months.
- Memphis (Shelby County):
- M&IE: $74 per day
- Lodging: A flat rate of $129 per night.
- Knoxville (Knox County):
- M&IE: $74 per day
- Lodging: A flat rate of $119 per night.
The first and last day of travel, the M&IE rate is $64.50 for Nashville and $55.50 for Memphis and Knoxville.
Standard CONUS Rate
For any county in Tennessee not specifically listed by the GSA, the standard CONUS rate applies. For FY 2025, this rate is $178 ($110 for lodging and $68 for M&IE).
Tennessee Per Diem Rate Calculator
Find the exact per diem allowance for your business trip to Tennessee 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.