Construction Per Diem Cost Calculator

Plan crew travel budgets with confidence on any jobsite. Adjust rates, rooms, and mileage quickly. Export clean summaries for invoices, approvals, and audits records.

Calculator Inputs

This only changes symbols, not exchange rates.
Often nights = days − 1, but adjust as needed.
$
When enabled, meals + incidentals use one flat rate.
$
$
$
$
$
Set 1 for standard mobilization and demobilization.
$
$
Reset

Example Data Table

Scenario Crew Days Nights Lodging / Night Meals / Day Incidentals / Day Distance One-way Mileage Rate Estimated Total
Road crew mobilization 6 10 9 $120 $35 $15 120 miles $0.45 $12,200
Small punch-list visit 2 3 2 $95 $30 $10 40 miles $0.45 $1,200
These totals are illustrative. Your results depend on rates, rooms, and markups.

Formula Used

Rooms
Rooms = ceil(Crew size ÷ People per room)
This estimates how many rooms you need for lodging.
Meals & Incidentals
Meals = Meals rate × Days × Crew
Incidentals = Incidentals rate × Days × Crew
Flat = Flat rate × Days × Crew
Lodging
Lodging = Lodging rate × Nights × Rooms
If “Flat includes lodging” is enabled, lodging is not added.
Travel
Mileage = (2 × One-way distance) × Mileage rate
Mileage total = Mileage × Round trips/person × Crew
Fixed travel = Fixed per person × Crew
Totals
Subtotal = Sum of all cost components
Overhead = Subtotal × (Overhead% ÷ 100)
Contingency = Subtotal × (Contingency% ÷ 100)
Tax = (Subtotal + Overhead + Contingency) × (Tax% ÷ 100)
Grand Total = Subtotal + Overhead + Contingency + Tax

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Set crew and trip length: enter crew size, days, and nights.
  2. Add per diem details: use meals + incidentals, or enable a flat rate.
  3. Enter lodging setup: set lodging rate and people per room for rooms.
  4. Add travel costs: distance, mileage rate, round trips, and fixed travel.
  5. Include jobsite extras: local transport per day and any lump sums.
  6. Apply markups: overhead, contingency, and tax, then click Calculate.
After calculating, use the CSV or PDF buttons to download your report.

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Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.