South Carolina per diem rates (FY2026)
South Carolina has 4 cities with their own GSA rate. Everywhere else in the state uses the standard rate.
| City / county | Lodging | M&IE |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston · Charleston / Berkeley / Dorchester | $218.00–$288.00 | $92.00 |
| Columbia · Richland / Lexington | $115.00 | $74.00 |
| Hilton Head · Beaufort | $118.00–$215.00 | $80.00 |
| Myrtle Beach · Horry | $110.00–$182.00 | $74.00 |
About South Carolina per diem
GSA has surveyed and listed a non-standard rate for 4 locations in South Carolina, topping out at $288.00 a night in Charleston. Every other city or county in the state defaults to the standard CONUS rate of $110.00 lodging and $68.00 M&IE.
On the first and last day of any trip, M&IE is paid at 75% under the first/last-day rule — $51.00 at the standard rate, or the equivalent 75% figure for whichever listed city you're travelling to. See how to calculate per diem for a business trip for the full worked example.
Frequently asked questions
Does every city in South Carolina have its own per diem rate?
No — only 4 locations have a separately listed GSA rate in South Carolina. Every other city or county in the state uses the standard CONUS rate of $110.00 lodging + $68.00 M&IE.
Which city in South Carolina has the highest per diem rate?
Charleston has the highest listed lodging cap in South Carolina, at $288.00 a night, compared with $115.00 in Columbia.
How do I calculate per diem for a multi-city trip through South Carolina?
Use the calculator on each city's page for the nights spent there, then add the totals together — lodging caps and M&IE tiers can differ from one South Carolina city to the next, so a single flat rate for the whole trip would be inaccurate.
Calculate a trip → PerDiemWise is an independent tool, not affiliated with the GSA.