BAH Calculator 2025
Estimate your Basic Allowance for Housing based on pay grade, duty station, and dependency status.
💡 What this means
- BAH is tax-free — equivalent to ~$3,160/mo in taxable income
- Rates are based on median rental costs in the local market
- BAH is protected — you keep this amount even if you find cheaper housing
- 2025 rates include a 4.2% increase from 2024
Disclaimer
Rates are estimates based on 2025 DoD BAH tables. Actual rates may vary. Always verify at travel.dod.mil.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is BAH calculated?
BAH is determined by your pay grade (E-1 through O-10), your permanent duty station ZIP code, and whether you have dependents. The DoD surveys local rental costs annually and sets BAH to cover the median rental cost for your rank in that area.
Does BAH change with rank?
Yes. BAH increases with each pay grade. An O-3 with dependents receives significantly more BAH than an E-4 in the same duty station. BAH also varies by location — high cost-of-living areas like San Diego or Washington DC pay more than rural stations.
Is BAH taxable income?
No. BAH is a tax-free allowance. It is not included in your gross income for federal or state income tax purposes, which significantly increases its real value compared to equivalent taxable civilian housing benefits.
What happens to BAH if I live in barracks or base housing?
If you live in government-provided housing (barracks or privatized base housing), you typically do not receive BAH — or it is paid directly to the housing provider. Single junior enlisted members (E-1 to E-3) often live in barracks and receive BAH at a reduced rate.
Sources: DoD BAH Calculator, DFAS BAH Tables, VA.gov. Last updated March 2026.