California BAH Calculator
Estimate BAH for California duty stations using a high-cost CONUS location profile. California hosts over 30 military installations including Camp Pendleton, Fort Irwin, Travis AFB, Naval Base San Diego, Edwards AFB, and Beale AFB. With median rents exceeding $2,800 per month across coastal metros, California BAH rates rank among the highest in the continental US. Use this calculator for PCS planning, off-base housing budgets, and comparing California base locations before your move.
Regional Rule Context
United States Rates and Rules
Key Standards
Important Notes
- -CA has some of the highest BAH rates due to housing costs
- -San Diego, LA, SF MHAs are premium locations
- -Inland bases (Fort Irwin, Edwards) have lower rates
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Result
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California BAH calculator for 2025. San Diego and Bay Area have among the highest BAH rates nationally. Fort Irwin is lower. An E5 with dependents receives approximately $2,500-$3,800/month depending on the MHA.
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
This variant presets a high-cost CONUS profile reflecting California housing markets and computes monthly and annual BAH estimates. The DoD surveys local rental costs, average utilities, and renter insurance to set BAH rates for each Military Housing Area annually.
United States FAQs
Which CA base has highest BAH?
SF and San Jose MHAs are highest. San Diego is close behind. An E5 with dependents at Pendleton gets approximately $3,200-$3,500/month. Fort Irwin is much lower at $1,800-$2,100.
Is CA BAH enough for rent?
In San Diego and LA, BAH covers 85-95% of median rent. Living further from base stretches BAH further.
Is BAH taxed in California?
No. BAH is non-taxable regardless of state. Not subject to CA income tax, federal tax, or FICA.
How often do CA BAH rates change?
Annually January 1. CA rates increased 5-15% per year recently. Rate protection prevents decreases at same location.
What if I PCS between CA bases?
BAH changes to the new MHA rate. Moving from Fort Irwin to Camp Pendleton would significantly increase your BAH.
How do I add this California BAH Calculator to my site?
Absolutely. Use the "Embed" option above to tailor the dimensions, color scheme, and styling to match your site. Copy the generated iframe snippet and drop it into your HTML, WordPress editor, or any CMS. There is no cost and no account required. See calculory.com/services/embed-calculators for a step-by-step walkthrough.
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