In October, the federal (GSA) limit in Novato, CA is $1,827/wk: $1,183/wk for housing and $644/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 Marin County.
| Month | Housing a week | M&IE a week | Total a week |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 2026 (this month) | $1,183/wk | $644/wk | $1,827/wk |
| November 2026 | $1,183/wk | $644/wk | $1,827/wk |
| December 2026 | $1,183/wk | $644/wk | $1,827/wk |
|---|
| January 2027 | $1,183/wk | $644/wk | $1,827/wk |
|---|
| February 2027 | $1,183/wk | $644/wk | $1,827/wk |
|---|
| March 2027 | $1,183/wk | $644/wk | $1,827/wk |
|---|
| April 2027 | $1,183/wk | $644/wk | $1,827/wk |
|---|
| May 2027 | $1,183/wk | $644/wk | $1,827/wk |
|---|
| June 2027 | $1,183/wk | $644/wk | $1,827/wk |
|---|
| July 2027 | $1,183/wk | $644/wk | $1,827/wk |
|---|
| August 2027 | $1,183/wk | $644/wk | $1,827/wk |
|---|
| September 2027 | $1,183/wk | $644/wk | $1,827/wk |
|---|
Source: U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) per diem rates for Mill Valley / San Rafael / Novato.
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 →