Depends upon where the porject is and how many hours I will be billing. If it is a high cost area and only 40 to 50 hours per week then I can more about the per diem rate. If it is a low cost area and I will be billing 70 to 90 hours per week then the per diem is a small factor.

Usually get from $35 to $50 per day for meals. But no recipets, If they offer $35 per day I get that every day. If I spend more it cost me, if I spend less then I get to keep it.