From the bustling government hubs of Northern Virginia to the historic cities of Richmond and Williamsburg and the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia is a key destination for business and official travel. To manage travel expenses effectively across the Commonwealth, a clear understanding of per diem rates is essential.
Per diem—a daily allowance for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses—is the standard for federal travel and a widely used benchmark for private businesses. This guide will provide a detailed overview of Virginia's per diem rates, relevant state laws, and how you can simplify the entire reimbursement process.
Virginia Per Diem Rates
Per diem rates for official travel within Virginia are set by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). These rates are mandatory for federal employees and are frequently adopted by private companies as a fair and compliant standard. Virginia has numerous Non-Standard Areas (NSAs) with rates higher than the standard U.S. rate, particularly in the D.C. metro area and other major cities.
For Fiscal Year 2025 (October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025), key rates include:
Northern Virginia (D.C. Metro Area)
Counties like Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun have some of the highest rates in the state due to their proximity to Washington D.C. and high cost of living.
- In Arlington (as well as Alexandria and Fairfax), the M&IE rate is $92 per day. Lodging rates are highly seasonal:
- $275 per night (October, January-February, September)
- $196 per night (November-December)
- $276 per night (March-May)
- $183 per night (June-August)
- In Loudoun County, the M&IE rate is $80 per day and the lodging rate is a flat $115 per night. The first and last day of travel M&IE rate is $60.00.
Other Major Cities
Locations like Richmond and Virginia Beach have their own specific rates.
- Richmond: The M&IE rate is $80 per day and the lodging rate is a flat $157 per night.
- Virginia Beach: The M&IE rate is $74 per day. Lodging rates are seasonal, with a rate of $124 for most of the year (Oct-May, Sep) and a peak summer rate of $210 (Jun-Aug).
Standard CONUS Rate
For any county or city in Virginia 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).
Virginia Per Diem Rate Calculator
To find the precise per diem allowance for your trip to any destination in Virginia, our calculator provides instant, accurate results based on the official GSA schedule.