Government Perks Rise: Higher Meals in Hawaii and Puerto Rico
Published Date: 3/31/2026
Notice
Summary
Starting April 1, 2026, government travelers heading to places like Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories will see updated daily pay rates for lodging and meals. The biggest changes hit Puerto Rico, where lodging costs went up in several spots. If you think a rate isn’t fair, you can ask for a review to get it fixed!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Updated Per Diem Rates for Non-Foreign Areas
You are a government traveler: starting April 1, 2026, the Department of Defense published revised per diem rates for lodging and meals when traveling to non-foreign areas outside the continental U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and U.S. possessions. The bulletin lists specific daily lodging and M&IE amounts for many localities (for example, Anchorage seasonal lodging $329 and M&IE $148 for a total $477 per day).
Puerto Rico Lodging Rates Increased
If you travel for government business to Puerto Rico, the CY 2026 lodging rate review raised lodging rates at multiple Puerto Rico localities. Examples listed include Bayamón, Carolina, Fort Buchanan, San Juan, and Sabana Seca with lodging $295 and M&IE $148 for a total $443 per day, and Ponce with lodging $149 and M&IE $146 for a total $295 per day; these updated amounts are reflected in the bulletin and take effect as provided in the notice.
You Can Request a Per Diem Rate Review
If you believe a listed lodging or meal/incidental allowance rate for a locality is insufficient, you may request a rate review using the Defense Travel Management Office Per Diem Rate Review FAQ page at https://www.travel.dod.mil/Travel-Transportation-Rates/Per-Diem/.
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