In October, the federal (GSA) limit in Belmont, CA is $2,121/wk: $1,519/wk for housing and $602/wk for meals and incidentals (M&IE).
Housing limits change with the season in some cities. Your agency usually uses the rate for the months you work. This rate covers San Mateo County.
| Month | Housing a week | M&IE a week | Total a week |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 2026 (this month) | $1,519/wk | $602/wk | $2,121/wk |
| November 2026 | $1,519/wk | $602/wk | $2,121/wk |
| December 2026 | $1,358/wk | $602/wk | $1,960/wk |
|---|
| January 2027 | $1,358/wk | $602/wk | $1,960/wk |
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| February 2027 | $1,358/wk | $602/wk | $1,960/wk |
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| March 2027 | $1,358/wk | $602/wk | $1,960/wk |
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| April 2027 | $1,358/wk | $602/wk | $1,960/wk |
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| May 2027 | $1,358/wk | $602/wk | $1,960/wk |
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| June 2027 | $1,358/wk | $602/wk | $1,960/wk |
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| July 2027 | $1,358/wk | $602/wk | $1,960/wk |
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| August 2027 | $1,358/wk | $602/wk | $1,960/wk |
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| September 2027 | $1,519/wk | $602/wk | $2,121/wk |
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Source: U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) per diem rates for San Mateo / Foster City / Belmont.
The GSA (the federal General Services Administration) sets the most the government pays its own staff for lodging and for meals and incidentals (M&IE) when they travel. Travel nursing agencies use these same rates as the top of their tax-free housing and meals stipends. Many pay less than the limit.
Stipends are usually tax-free only if you keep a tax home you pay for while you're away. Weekly numbers here are the daily rate times 7.
This is general information, not tax advice. Talk to a tax professional about your situation. Read our guide to stipends and tax homes →