BAH Calculator 2026
Find your 2026 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) by duty station ZIP code, pay grade and dependent status, using the official Department of Defense rate tables.
Free · No sign-up · Runs in your browser · Last reviewed November 2026
Advertisement
About the BAH Calculator 2026
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) helps service members pay for housing when government quarters are not provided. It is set by duty station ZIP code, pay grade and whether you have dependents, and it is tax-free. This BAH calculator uses the official 2026 Department of Defense BAH rate tables for all 338 military housing areas in the 50 states, so you can look up any ZIP code, grade and dependent status instantly. Rates are based on local median housing costs for rent and utilities, and they do not change when you move within the same housing area.
Official source: Defense Travel Management Office BAH rate lookup. To see your total pay, use the military pay calculator.
How to use it
- Enter the 5-digit ZIP code of your permanent duty station.
- Choose your pay grade and whether you have dependents.
- Press Calculate BAH to see your monthly and annual allowance and your military housing area.
How BAH works
- BAH is based on the duty station ZIP code, not where you actually live.
- Rates are set for each pay grade, with and without dependents.
- O-7 and above share the same BAH rates.
- BAH is not subject to federal income tax.
- Rates are updated each January 1 using local rental data.
Examples (2026 official rates)
| Area | E-5 with dependents | E-5 without | O-3 with dependents | O-3 without |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego, Ca | $3,975 | $3,147 | $4,518 | $4,248 |
| Norfolk / Portsmouth, Va | $2,430 | $1,908 | $2,694 | $2,505 |
| Fort Bragg / Pope, Nc | $1,806 | $1,527 | $2,175 | $1,956 |
| Fort Hood, Tx | $1,695 | $1,530 | $2,340 | $1,833 |
| Colorado Springs, Co | $2,358 | $1,860 | $2,595 | $2,397 |
| Tacoma, Wa | $2,556 | $2,121 | $3,123 | $2,784 |
| Honolulu County, Hi | $3,663 | $2,856 | $4,428 | $3,819 |
| Washington, Dc Metro Area | $3,132 | $2,832 | $4,020 | $3,531 |
Browse BAH rates by area
Detailed rate tables for popular duty stations: San Diego, Norfolk, Fort Bragg, Fort Hood, Colorado Springs, Tacoma (JBLM), Honolulu and Washington DC.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find my BAH rate?
Enter your duty station ZIP code, pay grade and dependent status. The calculator shows the official 2026 rate for your military housing area.
Is BAH taxable?
No. BAH is not subject to federal income tax and generally not to Social Security or Medicare tax.
Does BAH depend on where I live?
No. It depends on your permanent duty station ZIP code, not your home address.
What is the BAH with dependents?
A higher rate paid to members with a spouse, child or other qualifying dependent. Members without dependents receive the lower rate.
When do BAH rates change?
New rates take effect each January 1. Some areas receive temporary increases, such as Abilene and Dyess AFB in 2026.
Do BAH rates ever go down?
Individual members are protected: if rates in your area fall, your own rate generally stays the same while you remain in the same grade and location.
Last reviewed: November 2026. Rates are the official 2026 DoD BAH tables. Your finance office determines your actual entitlement.