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BAH Calculator 2026
Look up your 2026 Basic Allowance for Housing rate by ZIP code, pay grade, and dependent status. Covers top 50 military installation areas. Based on 2026 DoD rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing)?
BAH is a monthly tax-free allowance that helps service members pay for off-base housing. The amount is determined by your duty station location, pay grade, and whether you have dependents (spouse, children, or other qualifying family members). BAH rates are set by DoD each January.
How are BAH rates determined?
DoD conducts annual surveys of local rental markets in each Military Housing Area (MHA). Rates are set to cover median local housing costs for your pay grade. Higher-cost areas like San Diego, Honolulu, and the DC metro have significantly higher BAH rates than lower-cost locations.
Do I get BAH if I live in the barracks or on-base housing?
Generally, no. If you live in government-provided quarters (barracks or on-post/on-base family housing), your BAH is typically paid directly to housing or is not authorized. However, you may be eligible for partial BAH or BAH-Diff if you have dependents and your dependents do not live with you on base.
What is the difference between BAH with and without dependents?
BAH with dependents is a higher rate for service members who have a spouse, dependent child, or other qualifying dependent. The dependent does not need to live with you for you to receive the with-dependents rate. The with-dependents rate is typically 15–20% higher than the without-dependents rate.
Is BAH taxable income?
No. BAH is completely tax-free. It is not included in your gross income for federal or state tax purposes. This is one of the most valuable aspects of the BAH benefit — the full amount goes toward your housing costs with no tax bite.
What happens to my BAH when I PCS?
Your BAH rate changes when you PCS to a new duty station. You begin receiving the new location's rate effective the date you report to your new duty station. During a PCS move, you may be eligible for Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) or Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) for up to 10 days CONUS or 60 days OCONUS.
Can my BAH rate decrease?
BAH rates can go up or down each year, but the DoD rate-protection policy prevents your BAH from decreasing while you remain at the same duty station with the same dependent status. If rates increase, you get the increase immediately. If rates decrease, your rate is frozen until rates come back up.
What is the BAH rate for OCONUS locations?
For OCONUS (overseas) assignments, service members receive OHA (Overseas Housing Allowance) rather than BAH. OHA covers off-base rent, a utility/recurring maintenance allowance, and a move-in housing allowance. COLA (Cost of Living Allowance) provides additional offset for higher living costs abroad.
What ZIP code should I use for BAH lookup?
Use a ZIP code at or near your duty station — not where you actually live or plan to live. BAH is based on your duty station location, not your residence. For the most accurate rates, use the primary ZIP code of the installation or the nearest city.
Popular BAH Areas
Quick reference ZIP codes for common duty stations. Enter these in the calculator above.
Fort Bragg, NC
Fayetteville area
28301NS Norfolk, VA
Hampton Roads
23511JBLM, WA
Tacoma / Lewis-McChord
98431Camp Pendleton, CA
Oceanside, CA
92055Fort Hood, TX
Killeen, TX
76544Pearl Harbor, HI
Honolulu area
96860Fort Meade, MD
DC Metro
20755JBSA, TX
San Antonio
78234Fort Carson, CO
Colorado Springs
80913Fort Drum, NY
Watertown, NY
13601Eglin AFB, FL
Fort Walton Beach
32542NAS Pensacola, FL
Pensacola, FL
32508Planning a PCS move?
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