BAH Calculator
BAH calculator estimates your Basic Allowance for Housing by pay grade, duty location, and dependent status. Rates range from approximately $800/month for an E-1 in a low-cost area to over $4,000/month for senior officers in high-cost locations like San Diego or Washington D.C. Use this free tool to plan your military housing budget before PCS moves.
Regional Rule Context
United States Rates and Rules
Key Standards
Important Notes
- -BAH rates vary by over 300 Military Housing Areas (MHAs)
- -Rates are based on median rental costs in each MHA
- -Service members absorb a portion of housing cost (out-of-pocket)
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Result
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BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) calculator for 2025. BAH is a non-taxable allowance paid to service members to offset housing costs when government quarters are not available. Rates depend on pay grade (E1-O10), duty location (300+ Military Housing Areas), and dependent status. Updated annually on January 1. Rate protection ensures BAH cannot decrease while at the same location.
Disclaimer: This calculator uses publicly available rules effective as of Jan 1, 2025 (version 1.0). Results are for informational purposes only. Always verify with official sources or a qualified professional. Last reviewed: Mar 1, 2026.
Formula
BAH depends on three factors: pay grade (E-1 through O-10), whether you have qualifying dependents, and the housing cost category for your duty area. The DoD surveys local rental markets annually to set rates for each of the roughly 300 Military Housing Areas across the U.S.
2026 BAH Rate Ranges by Pay Grade (With and Without Dependents)
Estimated monthly Basic Allowance for Housing ranges across CONUS locations. Actual rates vary by Military Housing Area (MHA).
| Pay Grade | Without Dependents (Low-High) | With Dependents (Low-High) | Typical Increase with Dependents |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 to E-3 | $600 - $1,800 | $800 - $2,400 | +$200 to +$600 |
| E-4 to E-5 | $800 - $2,400 | $1,000 - $3,200 | +$200 to +$800 |
| E-6 to E-7 | $1,000 - $2,800 | $1,200 - $3,600 | +$200 to +$800 |
| E-8 to E-9 | $1,200 - $3,200 | $1,400 - $3,800 | +$200 to +$600 |
| O-1 to O-3 | $1,000 - $2,800 | $1,200 - $3,400 | +$200 to +$600 |
| O-4 to O-6 | $1,400 - $3,400 | $1,600 - $4,000 | +$200 to +$600 |
| O-7 and above | $1,800 - $4,000 | $2,000 - $4,500 | +$200 to +$500 |
Note: Ranges reflect low-cost to high-cost CONUS locations. Hawaii and Alaska have separate, typically higher rates. BAH is non-taxable and recalculated annually by the DoD based on local rental surveys. Individual rate protection ensures your BAH does not decrease while at the same duty station. For reference only.
United States FAQs
What is BAH?
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a non-taxable monthly payment to help service members cover housing costs. It is based on median rental costs in your duty location, adjusted for pay grade and whether you have dependents.
How is BAH calculated?
DoD surveys rental costs in over 300 Military Housing Areas (MHAs) annually. BAH covers a target percentage of median rent, utilities, and renter insurance for your pay grade. You absorb a small out-of-pocket amount.
Does BAH change every year?
Yes. New rates are published each January 1 based on updated housing cost surveys. In high-cost areas, BAH can increase significantly year over year. Rate protection means your BAH cannot decrease while at the same duty station.
Is BAH taxable?
No. BAH is a non-taxable allowance. It is not reported as income on your W-2 and is not subject to federal or state income tax. This makes BAH more valuable dollar-for-dollar than regular taxable pay.
What is the difference between BAH with and without dependents?
BAH-With is higher than BAH-Without, typically 20-40% more depending on pay grade and location. You receive BAH-With if you have a spouse, children, or other dependents. Single service members without dependents receive BAH-Without.
Can I use this BAH Calculator on my own web page?
You can. Look for the "Embed" button near the top of this calculator. It lets you pick a size, border style, and color palette, then gives you an iframe tag to paste into any webpage. The widget is responsive, loads fast, and costs nothing. More details at calculory.com/services/embed-calculators.
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