BAH Rates 2026 by Location: Complete Duty Station Housing Allowance Guide
Published on 2026-07-02
BAH Rates 2026 by Location: What Your Duty Station Pays for Housing
If you have ever PCS'd from one base to another, you already know the truth: BAH rates are not created equal. The Basic Allowance for Housing that covers a three-bedroom house at Fort Bragg might barely cover a one-bedroom apartment at Naval Base San Diego. And in 2026, with the 5.2% average BAH increase, the gap between low-cost and high-cost duty stations is wider than ever.
This guide breaks down the 2026 BAH rates for every major CONUS duty station, explains how the Department of Defense calculates your housing allowance, and shows you how to use our BAH calculator to find your exact rate by rank, zip code, and dependency status. Whether you are PCSing to Fort Liberty, heading to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, or trying to decide whether to live on or off base at your current station, this is the only BAH guide you need.
How BAH Rates Are Calculated in 2026
Before we dive into the numbers, it is worth understanding why BAH rates differ so dramatically between locations. The DoD sets BAH rates annually based on a survey of rental housing costs in each Military Housing Area (MHA). The survey covers:
- Median rent for apartments, townhouses, and single-family homes in the civilian market surrounding each base.
- Average utilities (electricity, gas, water, sewer) for the housing type assigned to each rank.
- Renter's insurance costs in the local market.
The DoD then sets BAH rates so that a service member of a given rank with dependents can afford a specific housing profile — for example, an E-6 with dependents is expected to rent a three-bedroom townhouse, while an O-4 with dependents is expected to rent a four-bedroom single-family home. The BAH rate is set to cover 95% of the median cost for that housing profile, meaning the service member is expected to cover the remaining 5% out of pocket.
In 2026, the national average BAH increase was 5.2%, but individual locations saw increases ranging from 2% to over 12% depending on local rental market conditions. Use our military pay calculator to see your total compensation including BAH, BAS, and base pay.
Highest BAH Rates in 2026: Top 10 Duty Stations
These are the CONUS duty stations with the highest BAH rates for an E-5 with dependents in 2026. If you are PCSing to one of these locations, your housing allowance will be substantial — but so will your rent.
| Duty Station | E-5 w/ Dependents | O-3 w/ Dependents | 2026 Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA (Coast Guard) | $4,131 | $4,539 | +5.8% |
| New York City, NY (Fort Hamilton) | $3,987 | $4,371 | +4.9% |
| Boston, MA (Hanscom AFB) | $3,852 | $4,218 | +6.1% |
| Los Angeles, CA (Los Angeles AFB) | $3,741 | $4,098 | +5.3% |
| San Diego, CA (Naval Base San Diego) | $3,612 | $3,954 | +5.7% |
| Washington, DC (Pentagon / Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling) | $3,498 | $3,831 | +4.4% |
| Seattle, WA (Joint Base Lewis-McChord) | $3,375 | $3,702 | +6.8% |
| Monterey, CA (Naval Postgraduate School) | $3,291 | $3,609 | +5.1% |
| Denver, CO (Buckley SFB) | $3,168 | $3,471 | +7.2% |
| Miami, FL (USSOUTHCOM) | $3,102 | $3,399 | +6.4% |
San Francisco tops the list at over $4,100/month for an E-5 with dependents — nearly $50,000 per year in tax-free housing allowance alone. Compare that to the lowest-cost duty stations below, and you can see why BAH is one of the most important factors in your total military compensation.
Lowest BAH Rates in 2026: Most Affordable Duty Stations
On the other end of the spectrum, these duty stations have the lowest BAH rates. The tradeoff: your housing allowance is smaller, but your actual cost of living is dramatically lower. Many service members at these bases can pocket significant BAH savings by living below their allowance.
| Duty Station | E-5 w/ Dependents | O-3 w/ Dependents | 2026 Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Sill, OK | $1,197 | $1,311 | +3.8% |
| Fort Leonard Wood, MO | $1,245 | $1,365 | +4.1% |
| Fort Novosel (Rucker), AL | $1,278 | $1,401 | +3.5% |
| Fort Moore (Benning), GA | $1,311 | $1,437 | +4.0% |
| Fort Jackson, SC | $1,344 | $1,473 | +4.3% |
| Fort Eisenhower (Gordon), GA | $1,377 | $1,509 | +4.5% |
| Fort Campbell, KY | $1,410 | $1,545 | +4.2% |
| Fort Bliss, TX | $1,443 | $1,581 | +4.8% |
| Fort Riley, KS | $1,476 | $1,617 | +3.9% |
| Fort Johnson (Polk), LA | $1,509 | $1,653 | +4.6% |
The difference between the highest and lowest BAH rates is staggering: an E-5 with dependents at Fort Sill receives $1,197/month, while the same E-5 in San Francisco receives $4,131/month — a difference of $2,934 per month, or over $35,000 per year. That is more than the E-5's entire base pay. This is why BAH is the single most important factor in your take-home pay, and why you should always check BAH rates before putting a duty station on your dream sheet.
BAH Rates by Branch: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard
BAH rates are set by geographic location, not by branch. An E-5 with dependents at Joint Base San Antonio receives the same BAH whether they are Army, Air Force, or Navy. However, each branch has different concentrations of bases, which means the average BAH a service member receives varies by branch based on where that branch's bases are located.
Army BAH Rates 2026
The Army has the widest geographic distribution of any branch, with major installations in both high-cost and low-cost areas. Key Army BAH rates for an E-5 with dependents in 2026:
- Fort Liberty (Bragg), NC: $1,698/month — moderate cost, large off-post housing market
- Fort Cavazos (Hood), TX: $1,575/month — affordable Texas market, many soldiers buy homes
- Fort Carson, CO: $2,211/month — Colorado Springs market has risen sharply
- Fort Drum, NY: $1,632/month — upstate New York, lower than NYC metro
- Fort Stewart, GA: $1,509/month — coastal Georgia, affordable housing
- Schofield Barracks, HI: $3,024/month — Oahu housing costs are among the highest in the nation
- Fort Wainwright, AK: $2,187/month — Fairbanks market, plus COLA for Alaska
Navy BAH Rates 2026
The Navy is concentrated in coastal areas, which tend to have higher housing costs. Key Navy BAH rates for an E-5 with dependents:
- Naval Station Norfolk, VA: $1,857/month — largest naval base, moderate housing costs
- Naval Base San Diego, CA: $3,612/month — among the highest in CONUS
- Naval Station Mayport, FL: $1,743/month — Jacksonville area, affordable
- Naval Base Kitsap, WA: $2,304/month — Puget Sound, rising fast
- Naval Station Pearl Harbor, HI: $3,024/month — same MHA as Schofield Barracks
- Naval Submarine Base New London, CT: $2,451/month — New England costs
Air Force and Space Force BAH Rates 2026
Air Force bases span the full cost spectrum, from rural training bases to urban command centers:
- Joint Base San Antonio (Lackland/Randolph), TX: $1,698/month
- Eglin AFB, FL: $1,809/month — Florida panhandle, moderate
- Wright-Patterson AFB, OH: $1,536/month — Dayton area, very affordable
- Hill AFB, UT: $1,920/month — Salt Lake City metro, rising
- Joint Base Andrews, MD: $2,718/month — DC metro area
- Peterson SFB, CO: $2,211/month — Colorado Springs
- Vandenberg SFB, CA: $2,637/month — Central California coast
Marine Corps BAH Rates 2026
Marine Corps bases are concentrated on the coasts, with several in high-cost California:
- Camp Lejeune, NC: $1,536/month — Jacksonville, NC area
- Camp Pendleton, CA: $2,904/month — between LA and San Diego
- MCAS Miramar, CA: $3,612/month — San Diego MHA
- MCB Quantico, VA: $2,718/month — DC metro area
- MCAS Yuma, AZ: $1,476/month — affordable desert location
- MCB Hawaii (Kaneohe Bay): $3,024/month — Oahu MHA
Coast Guard BAH Rates 2026
The Coast Guard has the most extreme BAH variation because its stations range from major cities to remote coastal towns:
- Coast Guard Base Alameda, CA: $4,131/month — San Francisco MHA, highest in CONUS
- Coast Guard Sector New York: $3,987/month — NYC metro
- Coast Guard Base Boston: $3,852/month — Boston MHA
- Coast Guard Sector Miami: $3,102/month — South Florida
- Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound, WA: $2,304/month — Seattle area
- Coast Guard Sector Mobile, AL: $1,410/month — Gulf Coast, affordable
For a complete breakdown of Coast Guard-specific allowances, see our Coast Guard BAS vs BAH comparison guide.
BAH With Dependents vs Without Dependents: The 2026 Gap
One of the most common questions about BAH is how much more you receive with dependents. The answer varies by location, but the average difference in 2026 is approximately 25-35%. Here is the breakdown for several representative duty stations:
| Duty Station | E-5 w/ Dependents | E-5 w/o Dependents | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Liberty, NC | $1,698 | $1,275 | +$423 (33%) |
| Naval Base San Diego, CA | $3,612 | $2,709 | +$903 (33%) |
| Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA | $3,375 | $2,532 | +$843 (33%) |
| Fort Sill, OK | $1,197 | $897 | +$300 (33%) |
| Norfolk, VA | $1,857 | $1,392 | +$465 (33%) |
The dependent rate is consistently about 33% higher across locations because the DoD assigns a larger housing profile to members with dependents — typically one additional bedroom. An E-5 without dependents is expected to rent a two-bedroom apartment, while an E-5 with dependents is expected to rent a three-bedroom townhouse or single-family home.
Important: BAH with dependents is not automatic just because you are married. If you are a dual-military couple without children, each spouse receives the without-dependents rate. Only one spouse (the higher-ranking member, typically) can claim the with-dependents rate if you have children. For more on dual-military pay, see our special pays and total compensation guide.
BAH Rate Protection: You Do Not Lose Money When Rates Drop
One of the most important — and least understood — features of the BAH system is rate protection. If BAH rates in your area decrease from one year to the next, your individual BAH rate does NOT go down as long as you remain at the same duty station. You are grandfathered at the higher rate.
This means:
- If you PCS to Fort Liberty in 2025 when the E-5 with-dependents rate is $1,650, and the rate drops to $1,600 in 2026, you continue receiving $1,650.
- If you PCS away and then return later, you receive the current (lower) rate.
- If you promote, your new BAH rate is calculated at the current year's rate for your new rank — you do not carry the old rate protection forward.
Rate protection only applies to decreases. If BAH rates increase, everyone at that duty station receives the new, higher rate immediately — you do not have to wait or reapply. The 2026 BAH increase of 5.2% nationally means most service members saw a meaningful bump in their housing allowance starting January 1, 2026.
How to Use the BAH Calculator on MilitaryPayApp.com
Our BAH calculator is built into the main military pay calculator and gives you your exact BAH rate in seconds. Here is how to use it:
- Enter your rank — Select from E-1 through O-10, plus warrant officer ranks W-1 through W-5.
- Enter your years of service — This determines your base pay, which is shown alongside your BAH.
- Enter your duty station zip code — The calculator looks up the Military Housing Area (MHA) for that zip code and returns the exact BAH rate.
- Select dependency status — With dependents or without dependents. This changes the housing profile and the BAH rate.
- See your total monthly compensation — The calculator adds your base pay, BAH, and BAS to show your full monthly take-home, including which portions are tax-free.
The calculator uses the official 2026 BAH tables published by the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO), the same data used by DFAS to calculate your actual LES. If you are PCSing and want to compare BAH rates between two duty stations, simply change the zip code and the calculator updates instantly.
BAH and PCS: What You Need to Know Before You Move
When you receive PCS orders, your BAH rate changes to the rate for your new duty station on the day you report. There is no gap or delay — the new rate takes effect immediately upon arrival. However, there are several important PCS-related BAH rules to understand:
- BAH during PCS travel: You continue receiving BAH for your old duty station until you check in at the new one. This is called BAH-Transit and is based on your old station's rate.
- BAH for dependents who stay behind: If your dependents remain at the old location (for example, to finish a school year), you may be eligible for BAH at the old location's rate for up to 180 days while you receive BAH at the new location's without-dependents rate. This is called a "BAH waiver" and requires command approval.
- Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA): If you PCS OCONUS, BAH is replaced by OHA, which works differently — OHA reimburses your actual rent up to a cap, rather than providing a flat allowance. You cannot pocket OHA savings the way you can with BAH.
- BAH and on-base housing: If you live in privatized military housing, your full BAH is typically paid directly to the housing company as rent. You do not receive the cash, but you also do not pay out of pocket for rent or utilities beyond what BAH covers.
For a complete guide to PCS entitlements including DLA, TLE, and per diem, see our military pay calculator complete guide.
BAH and Taxes: Why Your Housing Allowance Is Tax-Free
BAH is completely exempt from federal income tax, state income tax, and FICA (Social Security and Medicare) taxes. This is one of the most valuable features of military compensation. For an E-5 at Fort Liberty receiving $1,698/month in BAH, the tax savings alone are worth approximately:
- Federal income tax savings (22% bracket): $373/month
- FICA savings (7.65%): $130/month
- State income tax savings (varies): $0-$100/month depending on state
- Total annual tax savings: $6,000-$7,200
Over a 20-year career, the tax-free status of BAH alone is worth $120,000-$144,000 in avoided taxes — and that is before accounting for BAS, which is also tax-free. This is why comparing military pay to civilian salaries based on base pay alone is so misleading. For a full breakdown, see our military pay vs civilian pay comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions About BAH Rates
How often do BAH rates change?
BAH rates are updated once per year, effective January 1. The new rates are typically published by the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) in mid-December. The 2026 rates took effect on January 1, 2026, with a national average increase of 5.2%.
Can I receive BAH if I live in the barracks?
Generally, no. Single service members in the pay grades E-1 through E-5 (and E-6 in some services) who are assigned to barracks or dormitories do not receive BAH. However, if you are married (even if your spouse does not live with you at the duty station), you receive BAH at the with-dependents rate regardless of whether you live in government quarters. Single members E-6 and above typically receive BAH even without dependents, though policies vary by service and installation.
What happens to my BAH if I get married while stationed overseas?
If you are stationed OCONUS and get married, you must update your dependency status in DEERS. Your OHA will be adjusted to the with-dependents rate, and you may be eligible for command sponsorship for your spouse to join you at the OCONUS location. If command sponsorship is not approved, you may receive BAH for your spouse's location in the US while you continue to receive OHA at the without-dependents rate overseas.
Does BAH count as income for child support calculations?
Yes. Although BAH is tax-free, it is considered income for purposes of calculating child support and alimony in all 50 states. Courts treat BAH as part of your total income because it is money you receive and use for housing. If you are going through a divorce or child support proceeding, make sure your attorney understands military pay structures — many civilian attorneys mistakenly focus only on base pay.
Can I use my BAH to buy a house instead of renting?
Absolutely. BAH is your money to use for housing however you see fit. Many service members use their BAH to cover a mortgage payment instead of rent. In fact, at lower-cost duty stations like Fort Sill or Fort Leonard Wood, BAH often exceeds the monthly mortgage payment on a modest home, allowing you to build equity while the government covers your housing costs. VA loans make this even more attractive by eliminating the down payment requirement. For more on using military benefits to build wealth, see our military pay budget and financial planning guide.
Bottom Line: Know Your BAH Before You PCS
BAH is not a minor detail — it is often the largest single component of your military compensation after base pay, and in high-cost areas like San Francisco or New York, it can actually exceed your base pay. An E-5 in San Francisco receives more in tax-free BAH ($4,131/month) than in taxable base pay ($3,421/month). Understanding your BAH rate — and how it compares to actual housing costs at your duty station — is essential to making smart financial decisions about where to live, whether to buy or rent, and how much house you can afford.
Use our free BAH calculator to look up your exact rate by rank, zip code, and dependency status. Then check out our other guides on the 2026 military pay raise, BAS rates by branch, and how to use the military pay calculator for a complete picture of your total compensation.