The largest metro
Iowa’s largest metro area is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA (U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 population estimates, read October 4, 2026). Its most populous county in Iowa, Polk County, is in GSA’s Des Moines, IA rate area: lodging $122 a night, M&IE $80 a day (FY2027). Source: GSA per diem rates, FY2027, from GSA’s per diem API (retrieved September 21, 2026).
Rates across Iowa
Anywhere in Iowa without a rate of its own, GSA’s FY2027 standard rate applies: lodging $113 a night, M&IE $68 a day. 2 areas have their own rates:
| Area | Counties GSA lists | Lodging a night | M&IE a day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas, IA | Dallas | $117 | $80 |
| Des Moines, IA | Polk | $122 | $80 |
Source: GSA per diem rates, FY2027, from GSA’s per diem API (retrieved September 21, 2026).
How a stipend relates to these rates
The U.S. General Services Administration says: “We establish the per diem rates that federal agencies use to reimburse their employees for lodging and meals and incidental expenses incurred while on official travel within the continental United States.” Source: GSA: Per diem rates, read September 30, 2026.
The IRS says: “If your allowance is less than or equal to the federal rate, the allowance won’t be included in box 1 of your Form W-2.” Source: IRS Publication 463 (2025), read October 2, 2026.
The IRS says: “Generally, your tax home is your regular place of business or post of duty, regardless of where you maintain your family home. It includes the entire city or general area in which your business or work is located.” Source: IRS Publication 463 (2025), read October 2, 2026.
More on Iowa: licensing in Iowa, Iowa pay and Iowa contracts.
Frequently asked questions
What is the GSA lodging rate in Iowa?
GSA’s FY2027 standard lodging rate in Iowa is $113 a night. The 2 areas with their own rates run from $117 to $122 a night, depending on the area and the month. Source: GSA per diem rates, FY2027, from GSA’s per diem API (retrieved September 21, 2026).
What is the M&IE rate in Iowa?
GSA’s FY2027 standard rate for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) in Iowa is $68 a day; the 2 areas with their own rates are all $80 a day. Source: GSA per diem rates, FY2027, from GSA’s per diem API (retrieved September 21, 2026).
Is a stipend at or below the federal rate reported as wages?
The IRS says: “If your allowance is less than or equal to the federal rate, the allowance won’t be included in box 1 of your Form W-2.” Source: IRS Publication 463 (2025), read October 2, 2026.
To see what a package’s stipends come to, use the stipend calculator. Stipend rates for every state.