What is BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing)?
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a monthly tax-free allowance paid to U.S. military service members who are not assigned government-provided housing. BAH is designed to offset the cost of housing in the civilian market and is based on three factors:
- Duty Station Location: Your ZIP code determines your Military Housing Area (MHA)
- Pay Grade: Higher ranks receive higher BAH rates
- Dependency Status: Service members with dependents receive higher rates
2026 BAH Rate Changes
BAH rates for 2026 have been updated to reflect current housing market conditions. The average BAH increase for 2026 is approximately 5.4% compared to 2025 rates. However, rates vary significantly by location:
- Highest BAH areas: San Francisco, New York City, San Jose, Boston, and Hawaii
- Lowest BAH areas: Rural areas in the Midwest and South
- Rate protection: Your BAH will not decrease as long as you maintain uninterrupted eligibility at the same duty station
BAH Rates by State
BAH rates vary significantly by state and even within the same metropolitan area. Here are some examples for an E-5 with dependents in 2026:
| Location | E-5 w/ Dependents | E-5 w/o Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA | $3,975 | $3,321 |
| San Francisco, CA | $4,992 | $4,149 |
| New York City, NY | $5,073 | $4,215 |
| Boston, MA | $4,632 | $3,849 |
| Washington, DC | $3,873 | $3,231 |
| Fort Hood, TX | $1,806 | $1,527 |
| Fort Bragg, NC | $1,806 | $1,527 |
| Fort Riley, KS | $1,260 | $1,083 |
How to Calculate Your BAH
Follow these steps to calculate your BAH rate:
- Step 1: Enter your duty station ZIP code or installation name
- Step 2: Select your pay grade (E-1 through O-7)
- Step 3: Choose your dependency status (with or without dependents)
- Step 4: Click "Calculate BAH" to see your monthly and annual rate
BAH Component Breakdown
Your BAH rate is calculated to cover approximately 95% of the median housing costs in your area. The rate includes:
- Rent: The primary component based on median rental prices
- Utilities: Average utility costs for the area
- Renter's Insurance: Estimated cost of renter's insurance
BAH vs. OHA
There are important differences between BAH and OHA (Overseas Housing Allowance):
- BAH: Fixed allowance based on location, rank, and dependency status (CONUS)
- OHA: Based on actual rent paid, with caps (OCONUS)
- Key difference: You can keep unused BAH, but OHA is limited to actual rent
Frequently Asked Questions
When do 2026 BAH rates take effect?
The 2026 BAH tables took effect January 1, 2026. If the published rate increased for your MHA, you receive the increase automatically. If the rate decreased, rate protection may keep you at the prior higher amount.
How do I find my exact BAH rate?
Use the official DTMO BAH Rate Lookup at travel.dod.mil. Enter your duty station ZIP code, pay grade, and dependency status to pull the exact monthly amount for your MHA.
What is rate protection?
Individual Rate Protection means your BAH will not decrease as long as you maintain uninterrupted eligibility at the same duty station. Your rate only changes if you PCS, are demoted, or your dependency status changes.
Can I keep unused BAH?
Yes! BAH is a fixed allowance. If you find housing below your BAH rate or live with roommates, you keep the difference tax-free.
Does BAH count as taxable income?
No. BAH is completely excluded from federal income tax, FICA, and most state income taxes. This makes BAH more valuable than equivalent taxable income.
How does PCS affect my BAH?
When you PCS to a new duty station, your BAH resets to the current published rate for your new location, rank, and dependency status. If the new rate is lower than your previous rate, rate protection does not transfer.
What is the difference between BAH and BAS?
BAH is housing allowance based on location. BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsistence) is a flat monthly rate for food, regardless of location. BAS rates for 2026 are $452.56 for enlisted and $311.68 for officers.