Intro
Discover the latest San Diego, CA per diem rates for business travelers. Learn how to calculate daily allowances for lodging, meals, and incidentals. Get insider tips on maximizing reimbursements and staying within GSA guidelines. Plan your trip with confidence using our comprehensive guide to San Diego per diem rates.
San Diego, California, a city known for its year-round mild climate, beautiful beaches, and numerous attractions, is a popular destination for both business and leisure travelers. For those who travel to San Diego for work, understanding the per diem rates is crucial for expense reporting and reimbursement purposes. In this article, we will delve into the world of per diem rates in San Diego, CA, providing a comprehensive guide for travelers.
San Diego's Appeal to Travelers
San Diego is a city that offers something for everyone. From its stunning beaches and scenic coastal routes to its world-class attractions like the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park, there's no shortage of things to see and do. For business travelers, San Diego is a hub for industries like biotechnology, telecommunications, and tourism, making it an essential destination for conferences, meetings, and networking events.
Understanding Per Diem Rates
Per diem rates are the daily allowances given to employees for expenses incurred while traveling for work. These rates are usually set by the employer or the government and are based on the location of the travel. In the United States, the General Services Administration (GSA) sets the per diem rates for federal employees, while private companies may set their own rates or use the GSA rates as a guideline.
San Diego, CA Per Diem Rates
The per diem rates for San Diego, CA, are as follows:
- Lodging: $183 per night (as of 2022)
- Meals and incidentals: $64 per day (as of 2022)
These rates are subject to change, so it's essential to check the GSA website for the most up-to-date information.

Breaking Down Per Diem Rates
Per diem rates are typically broken down into two categories: lodging and meals and incidentals.
- Lodging: This includes the cost of a hotel room or other accommodations. The lodging rate for San Diego, CA, is $183 per night, which is relatively high due to the city's popularity and limited hotel inventory.
- Meals and incidentals: This includes the cost of food, transportation, and other expenses. The meals and incidentals rate for San Diego, CA, is $64 per day, which is relatively modest compared to other major cities in the United States.
Tips for Travelers
Here are some tips for travelers to San Diego, CA, to help you make the most of your per diem rates:
- Book your hotel room in advance to ensure availability and the best rates.
- Take advantage of the city's public transportation system, including the San Diego Trolley and buses, to get around without a car.
- Eat at local restaurants and cafes, which offer a wide range of cuisines at affordable prices.
- Use the per diem rate for meals and incidentals to cover expenses like tips, taxis, and other incidentals.
Per Diem Rates for Specific Industries
Different industries may have different per diem rates for San Diego, CA. Here are some examples:
- Military personnel: The military per diem rate for San Diego, CA, is $142 per day for lodging and $64 per day for meals and incidentals.
- Government contractors: Government contractors may use the GSA per diem rates or negotiate their own rates with their clients.
- Private companies: Private companies may set their own per diem rates or use the GSA rates as a guideline.
Per Diem Rates for Specific Locations in San Diego
San Diego is a large city with different neighborhoods and areas, each with its own unique character and costs. Here are some examples of per diem rates for specific locations in San Diego:
- Downtown San Diego: $200 per night for lodging and $75 per day for meals and incidentals
- La Jolla: $250 per night for lodging and $80 per day for meals and incidentals
- Mission Valley: $180 per night for lodging and $65 per day for meals and incidentals

Per Diem Rate Calculator
To help you calculate your per diem rates for San Diego, CA, we've created a simple calculator:
- Lodging: $183 per night (as of 2022)
- Meals and incidentals: $64 per day (as of 2022)
- Total per diem rate: $247 per day (as of 2022)
You can use this calculator to estimate your per diem rates for San Diego, CA, based on your specific needs and expenses.
Per Diem Rate FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about per diem rates for San Diego, CA:
- What is the per diem rate for San Diego, CA? The per diem rate for San Diego, CA, is $183 per night for lodging and $64 per day for meals and incidentals.
- How do I calculate my per diem rate? You can use the per diem rate calculator above to estimate your per diem rate based on your specific needs and expenses.
- Can I use my per diem rate for personal expenses? No, per diem rates are only for business expenses and should not be used for personal expenses.
What is the per diem rate for San Diego, CA?
+The per diem rate for San Diego, CA, is $183 per night for lodging and $64 per day for meals and incidentals.
How do I calculate my per diem rate?
+You can use the per diem rate calculator above to estimate your per diem rate based on your specific needs and expenses.
Can I use my per diem rate for personal expenses?
+No, per diem rates are only for business expenses and should not be used for personal expenses.
In conclusion, understanding per diem rates is essential for travelers to San Diego, CA. By knowing the per diem rates and how to calculate them, you can ensure that you are reimbursed for your business expenses and stay within your budget. Whether you're a business traveler or a government contractor, this guide has provided you with the information you need to navigate the world of per diem rates in San Diego, CA.
We hope you found this article informative and helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below.