BAH Calculator 2025

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a monthly, non-taxable allowance provided to active duty service members to help offset the cost of housing when military housing is not available. All active duty service members who do not reside in government quarters are eligible to receive BAH based on their pay grade, duty location ZIP code, and dependency status. Reserve and National Guard members on active duty orders for more than 30 days also qualify for BAH.

BAH rates are calculated using three main factors: your military pay grade (E-1 through O-7), your duty station location (ZIP code), and your dependency status (with or without dependents). The Department of Defense conducts annual housing cost surveys in different geographic areas to determine local rental market costs, including utilities. Higher-cost areas like San Francisco and New York City have significantly higher BAH rates than lower-cost areas. You can use our percentage calculator to compare BAH rate differences between locations.

BAH rates are higher for service members with dependents because the DoD assumes they need larger housing accommodations. "With dependents" rates apply if you have a spouse, children, or other authorized dependents. "Without dependents" rates are for single service members or those without authorized dependents. The difference between the two rates can range from several hundred to over a thousand dollars per month, depending on location and pay grade. Dual military couples each receive the "without dependents" rate unless they have children.

No, BAH rates are standardized across all military branches (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force, and Coast Guard). A Marine Corps E-5 with dependents stationed in San Diego receives the same BAH rate as an Army E-5 with dependents in the same location. The rates are determined solely by pay grade, location, and dependency status, not by branch of service.

BAH rates are reviewed and updated annually, typically taking effect on January 1st each year. The Department of Defense evaluates local housing markets and adjusts rates based on rental costs, utilities, and renter's insurance. While most locations see modest increases each year, rates can also decrease in areas where housing costs have fallen. Once you receive a BAH rate, you are generally protected from decreases as long as your pay grade, dependency status, and duty location remain unchanged.

BAH is completely tax-free and does not need to be reported as income on your federal or state tax returns. This is one of the significant financial benefits of military service. Your Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) will show BAH separately from your taxable base pay. However, BAH may be considered when calculating income for purposes like qualifying for a home loan or determining child support obligations. Use our employee hours calculator to help track your total compensation including BAH.

No, service members living in government-provided housing (base housing or barracks) do not receive BAH because the military is already providing housing at no cost. If you live in privatized military housing, you technically receive BAH, but it is automatically paid directly to the housing company. Single service members below a certain pay grade (typically E-6) are generally required to live in the barracks unless they receive special permission or the barracks are at capacity.

Your BAH rate will be recalculated when you get promoted to a new pay grade or when your dependency status changes (marriage, divorce, birth of a child). The change typically takes effect on the first day of the month following the status change. For promotions, you will receive the higher BAH rate for your new pay grade. For dependency status changes, you must update your information with your personnel office (typically within 30 days) to receive the correct rate.

BAH rates reflect local housing market costs, and major metropolitan areas like San Francisco, New York City, Washington DC, and San Diego have significantly higher rental costs than most other parts of the country. The DoD conducts annual surveys of rental prices in each market area to ensure BAH rates adequately cover typical housing costs. For example, an E-5 with dependents might receive around $5,000/month in San Francisco compared to $2,000/month in a lower-cost area. This ensures service members can afford appropriate housing regardless of where they are stationed.

Yes, you continue to receive BAH during deployments and temporary duty assignments as long as you maintain a residence at your permanent duty station. This allows you to continue paying rent or mortgage while you are away. If you are on a permanent change of station (PCS) move, your BAH will typically switch to your new duty station's rate once you arrive. For extended TDY orders, you may receive both BAH for your home station and per diem for your temporary location to cover the dual housing expense.