Per diem rates simplify business travel expenses by providing standardized reimbursement amounts for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses. They help ensure fair compensation for employees and allow employers to control costs.

‍

Understanding California's per diem rates is essential, especially since travel expenses can vary significantly across different cities and regions within the state. Clear per diem guidelines make expense reporting easier and help companies comply with federal regulations.

California per diem rate calculator

To calculate your per diem allowance, enter the dates of your business travel along with the location, county, and city.

California per diem rates

For areas without specific per diem rates, California defaults to standard allowances: $110 per night for lodging and $68 daily for meals and incidentals. Set by the General Services Administration (GSA), these rates are the baseline for expense reimbursements.

‍

However, some cities warrant higher or lower allowances, such as San Diego, San Francisco and Los Angeles to match their local living costs. Here's how the rates compare:

Track and manage every aspect of business travel

It's important for businesses to understand and follow per diem rates to comply with state and federal regulations. Effective per diem practices reduce the risk of non-compliance and provide a clear framework for travel expenses. 

‍

Ramp helps your company set precise, location-specific per diem rates, simplifying compliance and making business travel management easier. You can also help your employees, allowing them to easily track their per diem allowances while traveling. 

‍

Ramp integrates GSA rates and allows for customizable multipliers, simplifying per diem management for administrators and employees alike. Our process makes managing travel expenses easier and promotes compliance and efficiency.