In October, the federal (GSA) limit in Columbia, MD is $1,414/wk: $812/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 Howard County.
| Month | Housing a week | M&IE a week | Total a week |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 2026 (this month) | $812/wk | $602/wk | $1,414/wk |
| November 2026 | $812/wk | $602/wk | $1,414/wk |
| December 2026 | $812/wk | $602/wk | $1,414/wk |
|---|
| January 2027 | $812/wk | $602/wk | $1,414/wk |
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| February 2027 | $812/wk | $602/wk | $1,414/wk |
|---|
| March 2027 | $812/wk | $602/wk | $1,414/wk |
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| April 2027 | $812/wk | $602/wk | $1,414/wk |
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| May 2027 | $812/wk | $602/wk | $1,414/wk |
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| June 2027 | $812/wk | $602/wk | $1,414/wk |
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| July 2027 | $812/wk | $602/wk | $1,414/wk |
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| August 2027 | $812/wk | $602/wk | $1,414/wk |
|---|
| September 2027 | $812/wk | $602/wk | $1,414/wk |
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Source: U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) per diem rates for Columbia.
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 →