Chicago, IL per-diem rate (FY2026)
The GSA federal ceiling for tax-free housing & meal stipends on a travel-nurse assignment in Chicago (Cook / Lake County).
$326 / day max
| Lodging / night | $142–$234 |
| M&IE / full day | $92 |
| M&IE first/last day (75%) | $69 |
| Weekly tax-free ceiling | $2,282 |
| 13-week assignment ceiling | $29,666 |
Source: GSA FY2026, effective 2025-10-01.
Check your offer
Seasonal lodging rates
Lodging in Chicago changes by season. M&IE stays $92/day all year.
| Season | Lodging / night |
|---|---|
| October 1 – November 30 | $223 |
| December 1 – March 31 | $142 |
| April 1 – June 30 | $234 |
| July 1 – August 31 | $202 |
| September 1 – September 30 | $223 |
What this means for travel nurses
When you take an assignment in Chicago, your agency builds a pay package from a taxable hourly base plus tax-free stipends for housing and meals. Those stipends can only be paid tax-free up to the GSA per-diem ceiling above — roughly $2,282/week. If a recruiter quotes a housing stipend far above this, ask how the package is structured; the excess may be taxable, and an artificially low taxable base carries its own IRS risk. To keep stipends tax-free you must also maintain a legitimate tax home.
Tip: Many travel nurses keep their stipends audit-proof by saving receipts and contracts in one place and checking with a travel-tax professional once a year. See our audit checklist.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the 2026 per diem rate for Chicago, IL?
- For FY2026, the GSA per-diem rate for Chicago, IL is $142–$234 for lodging (seasonal) plus $92 for meals and incidentals (M&IE), for up to $326 per day.
- How much can my travel-nurse housing stipend be in Chicago?
- Agencies can generally pay up to the GSA ceiling tax-free: about $2,282 per week (lodging + M&IE) in Chicago. Amounts above that may be taxable. Use the calculator on this page to check a specific offer.
- What is the M&IE first and last day rate?
- On travel days you get 75% of the daily M&IE, which is $69 for Chicago.
This page is general educational information, not tax, legal, or financial advice. Per-diem rates can change and may have seasonal variations; always confirm with the official GSA rates and a qualified travel-nurse tax professional before relying on them.