The largest metro
Louisiana’s largest metro area is New Orleans-Metairie, LA (U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 population estimates, read October 4, 2026). Its most populous county in Louisiana, Jefferson Parish, is in GSA’s New Orleans, LA rate area: lodging $138 to $188 a night, depending on the month, M&IE $80 a day (FY2027). Source: GSA per diem rates, FY2027, from GSA’s per diem API (retrieved September 21, 2026).
Rates across Louisiana
Anywhere in Louisiana 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria / Leesville / Natchitoches, LA | Allen / Jefferson Davis / Natchitoches / Rapides / Vernon Parishes | $118 | $68 |
| New Orleans, LA | Orleans / Jefferson Parishes | $138 to $188 by month | $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 Louisiana: licensing in Louisiana, Louisiana pay and Louisiana contracts.
Frequently asked questions
What is the GSA lodging rate in Louisiana?
GSA’s FY2027 standard lodging rate in Louisiana is $113 a night. The 2 areas with their own rates run from $118 to $188 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 Louisiana?
GSA’s FY2027 standard rate for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) in Louisiana is $68 a day; the 2 areas with their own rates run from $68 to $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.