2026 Military BAH Calculator
Search by paygrade and Zip code or duty station to get the most accurate 2026 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates. Works for all military branches and locations that receive BAH.
Your BAH Rate
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Table of Contents
What is my BAH Rate going to be in 2026?
Effective January 1st, 2026, BAH rates are increasing by an average of 4.2% from the 2025 rates. The Department of War (DoD) released the 2026 BAH rates on December 11, 2025, estimating $29.9 billion in basic allowance for housing to be paid out to approximately one million service members, across 299 military housing areas (MHAs) in the United States. Find your new rate by entering your paygrade and MHA location into our BAH calculator.
What Is BAH?
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a pivotal component of military compensation, designed to assist service members in securing suitable housing when government quarters are unavailable. Use WeVett’s Military BAH calculator to find your BAH rate by entering your duty station, your pay grade, and the year you would like to see rates for.
Understanding BAH: Purpose and Scope
BAH is a non-taxable allowance provided to active-duty service members to offset housing costs when residing in non-governmental accommodations. The allowance aims to ensure that military personnel can afford housing comparable to their civilian counterparts in the same area. Key factors influencing BAH rates include:
- Geographic Duty Location: Housing costs vary significantly across different regions, and BAH rates are adjusted accordingly to mirror local rental market conditions.
- Pay Grade: Higher-ranking personnel receive increased BAH rates, commensurate with their responsibilities and expected living standards.
- Dependency Status: Service members with dependents are allocated higher BAH rates to accommodate the needs of their families.
Calculating Your BAH
BAH rates are meticulously calculated based on comprehensive data collection and analysis. The process involves:
- Data Collection: The Department of Defense gathers rental housing cost data annually for 299 military housing areas in the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. This data encompasses median market rents and average utilities (such as electricity, heat, and water/sewer).
- Housing Profiles: Total housing costs are determined for six housing profiles (based on dwelling type and number of bedrooms) in each military housing area.
- Rate Calculation: BAH rates are then calculated for each pay grade, both with and without dependents, based on the housing choices of civilians with comparable incomes to each service member pay grade grouping.
To determine your specific BAH rate, you can utilize our BAH calculator. This tool allows you to input your duty station by zip code, city, or base name, and pay grade to ascertain your exact allowance.
Rate Protection: Safeguarding Against Decreases
The Department of Defense has instituted a rate protection policy to prevent service members from experiencing a reduction in their BAH solely due to fluctuations in the housing market. Under this policy:
- Grandfathering: If BAH rates decrease in a particular area, service members already stationed there will continue to receive the higher rate as long as they remain in that location without a change in status. This ensures financial stability and allows for long-term housing commitments without concern for potential allowance reductions.
It’s important to note that your individual BAH rate can only decrease in three specific scenarios:
- PCS to a new location: Upon reporting to your new duty station, you’ll receive the BAH rate in effect at that location.
- Demotion: If you’re demoted, your BAH rate will adjust to the current rate corresponding to your new pay grade. However, promotions will not result in a decrease in your BAH rate; instead, you’ll receive the higher of your current and new rates.
- Dependency status changes: Any alterations to your dependency status will lead to a BAH rate adjustment, effective from the date of the change.
If those three situations do not apply to you, then you will be grandfathered in to your old rate.
BAH Eligibility
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is available to active-duty service members, members of the National Guard, and Reserve members on active duty for more than 30 days. To qualify for BAH, you must not be living in government-provided housing or barracks. Eligibility for BAH is determined by your rank, duty location, and whether you have dependents.
Service members can receive either the ‘with dependents’ or ‘without dependents’ rate, depending on their family status. Additionally, BAH rates vary based on local housing costs, ensuring fair compensation for housing expenses across different duty stations.
Utilizing BAH: Renting vs. Buying
Service members have the flexibility to apply their BAH toward renting or purchasing a home. When making this decision, consider the following:
- Renting: Offers flexibility, minimal maintenance responsibilities, and the ability to relocate easily upon receiving new orders.
- Buying: Can be a sound investment, potential for building equity, and may provide stability for families. It’s crucial to assess the local housing market, duration of the assignment, and personal financial situation before purchasing.
For those considering homeownership, the VA Home Loan program offers favorable terms, including no down payment and competitive interest rates, making it an attractive option for eligible service members.
Special Considerations
- Dual Military Couples: When both spouses are service members without dependents, each is eligible for the single BAH rate. If they have dependents, one member can receive the with-dependents rate, while the other continues to receive the single rate.
- Geographical Bachelor Status: Service members who choose to live separately from their dependents for personal reasons may not be entitled to full BAH for both locations. It’s essential to consult with the local finance office to understand the implications fully.
Leveraging Your BAH For Your Homeownership Goals
Get started utilizing your BAH with us today by filling out our contact form, and we will work with you to get pre-approved for a home. Or contact us if you would like to simply discuss your home buying options and get your game plan together.
You can also try out our Military Mortgage Calculator with BAH Comparison to directly compare your BAH rate with potential mortgage payments.
Looking to Purchase a Home in 2026?
Frequently Asked Questions
2026 BAH rates were officially released by the Department of War on December 11, 2025. The overall average bah increase for 2026 is 4.2%.
Your rate might have increased or decreased based on your specific duty zone and paygrade. It is important to note that there are specific conditions required for your bah rate to actually go down if the rate for your military housing area has decreased from the previous year.
The highest average increase in 2026 BAH rates for service members with dependents is for Outer Banks, NC with a rate increase of 14.46%.
The highest average increase in 2026 BAH rates for service members without dependents is for Birmingham, AL with a rate increase of 14.28%.
The biggest decrease in 2026 BAH rates for service members with dependents is for Austin, TX where rates decreased by an average of 6.19%.
The biggest decrease in 2026 BAH rates for service members without dependents is for Brownsville, TX where rates decreased by an average of 4.75%.
It’s important to note that your individual BAH rate can only decrease in three specific scenarios:
- PCS to a new location: Upon reporting to your new duty station, you’ll receive the BAH rate in effect at that location.
- Demotion: If you’re demoted, your BAH rate will adjust to the current rate corresponding to your new pay grade. However, promotions will not result in a decrease in your BAH rate; instead, you’ll receive the higher of your current and new rates.
- Dependency status changes: Any alterations to your dependency status will lead to a BAH rate adjustment, effective from the date of the change.
If those three situations do not apply to you, then you will be grandfathered in to your old rate.
Several factors can trigger a change in your BAH rate. It’s essential to stay informed to ensure you receive the appropriate housing allowance for your circumstances. The following events may lead to a rate adjustment:
- Promotion to a New Pay Grade
- New Dependent (e.g., marriage, having a baby, etc.)
- PCS to a Different Location
- Annual BAH Updates by the Department of Defense
It’s important to note that your individual BAH rate can only decrease in three specific scenarios:
- PCS to a new location: Upon reporting to your new duty station, you’ll receive the BAH rate in effect at that location.
- Demotion: If you’re demoted, your BAH rate will adjust to the current rate corresponding to your new pay grade. However, promotions will not result in a decrease in your BAH rate; instead, you’ll receive the higher of your current and new rates.
- Dependency status changes: Any alterations to your dependency status will lead to a BAH rate adjustment, effective from the date of the change.
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is calculated based on your duty station, rank, and whether you have dependents. It factors in average rental costs, utilities, and renter’s insurance in your area to ensure fair housing compensation. BAH rates are updated annually to reflect changes in local housing markets, so the amount you receive may vary each year. Use our BAH calculator to easily find your monthly BAH payment.
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rate changes based on whether you have dependents, not the total number of dependents. BAH only considers ‘with-dependents’ or ‘without-dependents’ status, meaning it does not increase for each additional dependent.
Yes, you may still receive the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) even if your spouse does not live with you. BAH eligibility is based on your duty location, rank, and dependency status, not necessarily on cohabitation with your spouse. As long as you meet the requirements for ‘with-dependents’ BAH, you should continue to receive this housing allowance, regardless of where your spouse resides
No, the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is not taxed as income. BAH is considered a non-taxable allowance provided to help cover housing costs for military members. Since it is not part of your taxable income, it does not impact federal income taxes or Social Security taxes.
Yes, you can use your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to pay for an investment property, as long as it covers your housing needs. BAH is provided to help with housing expenses, but it does not restrict how you choose to spend it. Many service members use BAH to pay rent, mortgage, or even invest in real estate properties, including rental properties or second homes.
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) payments are typically included in your regular military pay, which is disbursed on the 1st and 15th of each month. However, you can elect for it to be paid monthly. BAH is paid in advance, meaning it is intended to cover your housing costs for the upcoming period. If the 1st or 15th falls on a weekend or holiday, BAH payments are usually deposited on the last business day prior.
When two BAH-eligible service members are married with children, only one spouse typically receives the ‘with dependents’ BAH rate, while the other receives the ‘without dependents’ rate. The service member designated to receive the ‘with dependents’ rate is usually based on a mutual decision or who has primary custody of the children. This ensures one higher BAH rate per household, regardless of dual military status.
Yes, if activated for 30+ consecutive days. Also, they may be eligible for partial BAH or BAH Type II depending on the situation. Eligibility depends on their duty status and whether they are on active-duty orders. For shorter active-duty periods, they may receive a different type of BAH, like BAH RC/T (Reserve Component/Transit).