The General Services Administration has released 1998 per diem rates for federal travelers, changing the amount federal employees can spend when on business in several major cities.
The standard U.S. per diem rates for next year will not change from their 1997 levels. Federal travelers may spend a maximum of $50 on lodging and $30 on meals and other expenses when traveling in areas not designated with special rates.
Special rates have been set for 447 cities. Because GSA analyzed data provided by American Express's Government Travel Card program this year, the 1998 per diem rates for many cities are more accurate than they were before, according to GSA.
For example, government travelers staying in New York can spend $198 on lodging in 1998, up from $153 for 1997. Travelers to Los Angeles will be able to spend $109 per night for a room, up from $97.
Below are the per diem rates for selected major cities:
|
1998 Rates |
1997 Rates |
|
City |
Lodging |
Meals |
Total |
Lodging |
Meals |
Total |
|
Atlanta |
$97 |
$38 |
$135 |
$96 |
$38 |
$134 |
|
Chicago |
120 |
42 |
162 |
119 |
42 |
161 |
|
Dallas |
94 |
42 |
136 |
84 |
42 |
126 |
|
Denver |
92 |
34 |
126 |
92 |
34 |
126 |
|
Los Angeles |
109 |
42 |
151 |
97 |
42 |
139 |
|
New York |
198 |
42 |
240 |
153 |
42 |
195 |
|
San Diego |
93 |
38 |
131 |
84 |
38 |
122 |
|
Washington |
126 |
42 |
168 |
124 |
42 |
166 |
Per diem rates for Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories and possessions are set by the Defense Department. International per diem rates are set by the State Department.
The new rates take effect Jan. 1. A full listing of rates is available in GovExec.com's Travel section.
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