The largest metro
Virginia’s largest metro area is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV (U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 population estimates, read October 4, 2026). Its most populous county in Virginia, Fairfax County, is in GSA’s District of Columbia, VA rate area: lodging $192 to $295 a night, depending on the month, M&IE $92 a day (FY2027). Source: GSA per diem rates, FY2027, from GSA’s per diem API (retrieved September 21, 2026).
Rates across Virginia
Anywhere in Virginia without a rate of its own, GSA’s FY2027 standard rate applies: lodging $113 a night, M&IE $68 a day. 10 areas have their own rates:
| Area | Counties GSA lists | Lodging a night | M&IE a day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blacksburg, VA | Montgomery | $126 | $68 |
| Charlottesville, VA | City of Charlottesville / Albemarle | $142 | $80 |
| District of Columbia, VA | Washington DC (also the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church and Fairfax, and the counties of Arlington and Fairfax, in Virginia; and the counties of Montgomery and Prince George's in Maryland) | $192 to $295 by month | $92 |
| Loudoun, VA | Loudoun | $121 | $80 |
| Lynchburg, VA | Campbell / Lynchburg City | $124 | $68 |
| Richmond, VA | City of Richmond | $161 | $80 |
| Roanoke, VA | City limits of Roanoke | $125 | $74 |
| Virginia Beach, VA | City of Virginia Beach | $129 to $212 by month | $74 |
| Wallops Island, VA | Accomack | $132 to $262 by month | $68 |
| Williamsburg / York, VA | James City / York Counties / City of Williamsburg | $113 to $135 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 Virginia: licensing in Virginia, Virginia pay and Virginia contracts.
Frequently asked questions
What is the GSA lodging rate in Virginia?
GSA’s FY2027 standard lodging rate in Virginia is $113 a night. The 10 areas with their own rates run from $113 to $295 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 Virginia?
GSA’s FY2027 standard rate for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) in Virginia is $68 a day; the 10 areas with their own rates run from $68 to $92 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.
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