Originally Posted by braslvr

As an employer, I logically decide you are going to get $20-25 a day per diem. Maybe slightly higher in certain cities. It's not an exact science. If you negotiate a higher amount, I will negotiate it right out of your base pay. I don't expect you to be able to eat breakfast, lunch, and a $22 dinner every day without chipping in yourself. I never expected it for myself, and I am far from alone. My employees over the years have by and large considered traveling for work to be a privilege not a burden. Special perks are rarely if ever asked for.

Be that as it may, good for you that your employer is willing to spend more for your meals.