Home to global technology and aerospace giants, Washington state has a dynamic and diverse economy. To manage these varied travel costs, a clear per diem policy is a critical business tool.
This guide is designed to provide clarity on travel expenses in Washington. We will cover the official GSA per diem rates, explain the laws that govern employee reimbursement, and show you how to streamline the entire process.
Washington Per Diem Rate
Per diem rates for official travel in Washington 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:
Puget Sound Metro Areas
The state's primary business and technology corridor has its own designated Non-Standard Area (NSA) rates with significant seasonal variations.
- Seattle (King County):
- M&IE: $92 per day
- Lodging: Seasonal, with a peak summer rate of $248 per night (June-Sep) and a rate of $188 per night for all other months.
- Vancouver (Clark, Cowlitz, & Skamania Counties):
- M&IE: $86 per day
- Lodging: A flat rate of $155 per night.
- Tacoma (Pierce County):
- M&IE: $86 per day
- Lodging: A flat rate of $136 per night.
The first and last day of travel, the M&IE rate is $69.00 for Seattle and $64.50 for Vancouver and Tacoma.
Other Notable Locations
- Spokane (Spokane County):
- M&IE: $86 per day
- Lodging: A flat rate of $126 per night.
- The first and last day of travel, the M&IE rate is $64.50.
Standard CONUS Rate
For any county in Washington 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).
Washington Per Diem Rate Calculator
Find the exact per diem allowance for your business trip to Washington 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.