How do I calculate a Palo Alto trip total?

Use the GSA per diem calculator with California and this ZIP or locality selected. Lodging is per night; M&IE is 100% on full days and 75% on the first and last calendar days.

Palo Alto per diem rates

Q: What is the GSA per diem rate for Palo Alto?

GSA does not list Palo Alto as its own key city. ZIP 94303 maps to Sunnyvale: $92 M&IE and peak lodging $192.

San Mateo County · ZIP 94303 · FY 2026

Official travel to Palo Alto in San Mateo County (sample ZIP 94303) is not its own GSA key city. GSA maps this ZIP to the Sunnyvale high-cost locality : $92 M&IE and peak lodging $192.

First and last travel days use 75% of M&IE ($69). Lodging is a monthly maximum (before tax). Statewide default CONUS is $110 lodging + $68 M&IE when no higher locality applies.

Assigned M&IE: $92
Peak lodging: $192

Calculate Palo Alto per diem Sunnyvale monthly table

Example: 3-night trip in Palo Alto

Four travel days at the assigned Sunnyvale caps: two at 75% M&IE and two at 100%, plus three nights at peak lodging $192.

Lodging: 3 × $192 = $576
M&IE: 2 × $69 + 2 × $92 = $322
Estimated total: $898

Frequently asked questions

What is the GSA per diem rate for Palo Alto?

GSA does not publish a separate key-city rate named Palo Alto. ZIP 94303 maps to Sunnyvale: $92 M&IE and peak lodging $192.

How do I calculate a trip to Palo Alto?

Open the GSA calculator with this locality selected, or enter ZIP 94303. First and last days are 75% of M&IE.

Other cities in San Mateo County

Nearby California high-cost localities

Planning aid only · ZIP maps to a GSA destination ID · Methodology