BAH Rates for San Diego, Ca (2026)
Official 2026 Basic Allowance for Housing for the San Diego, Ca military housing area (CA038), for every pay grade with and without dependents.
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About the BAH Rates for San Diego, Ca (2026)
This page lists the official 2026 BAH rates for San Diego, Ca (military housing area CA038). BAH is paid to service members who are not in government housing and is based on duty station, pay grade and dependent status. It is tax-free. In 2026 an E-5 with dependents receives $3,975 a month here, $3,147 without dependents, which ranks number 12 of 338 military housing areas for E-5 with dependents (the national average is about $2,225). An O-3 with dependents receives $4,518 and an O-4 with dependents $5,082.
How to use it
- Choose your pay grade and whether you have dependents.
- Press Show my BAH to see your monthly and yearly allowance for this area.
- Use the table below to compare every grade, or the BAH calculator for another ZIP code.
2026 BAH rates for San Diego, Ca by pay grade
| Pay grade | With dependents | Without dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 | $3,666 | $2,763 |
| E-2 | $3,666 | $2,763 |
| E-3 | $3,666 | $2,763 |
| E-4 | $3,666 | $2,763 |
| E-5 | $3,975 | $3,147 |
| E-6 | $4,404 | $3,387 |
| E-7 | $4,446 | $3,678 |
| E-8 | $4,488 | $4,065 |
| E-9 | $4,671 | $4,188 |
| W-1 | $4,425 | $3,564 |
| W-2 | $4,464 | $4,062 |
| W-3 | $4,521 | $4,206 |
| W-4 | $4,731 | $4,410 |
| W-5 | $4,992 | $4,455 |
| O-1E | $4,449 | $3,972 |
| O-2E | $4,506 | $4,161 |
| O-3E | $4,770 | $4,398 |
| O-1 | $4,032 | $3,351 |
| O-2 | $4,401 | $3,873 |
| O-3 | $4,518 | $4,248 |
| O-4 | $5,082 | $4,440 |
| O-5 | $5,493 | $4,458 |
| O-6 | $5,541 | $4,494 |
| O-7+ | $5,586 | $4,575 |
Quick comparison
| Pay grade | With dependents | Without |
|---|---|---|
| E-4 | $3,666 | $2,763 |
| E-6 | $4,404 | $3,387 |
| E-7 | $4,446 | $3,678 |
| O-1 | $4,032 | $3,351 |
| O-3 | $4,518 | $4,248 |
Things to know
- BAH is set by the duty station ZIP code, so it applies to every ZIP code mapped to CA038.
- Rates are tax-free and meant to cover rent and utilities.
- O-7 and above share one rate.
- Your own rate is protected if the area rate drops while you stay in the same grade and location.
- Use the military pay calculator to add BAH to your basic pay and BAS.
Frequently asked questions
What is the BAH for an E-5 in San Diego, Ca?
In 2026 an E-5 receives $3,975 a month with dependents and $3,147 without dependents in the San Diego, Ca area.
What is the BAH for an O-3 in San Diego, Ca?
An O-3 receives $4,518 with dependents and $4,248 without dependents in 2026.
How much BAH does an E-6 get in San Diego, Ca?
An E-6 with dependents receives $4,404 a month in 2026.
Is BAH taxable?
No. BAH is not subject to federal income tax.
Which ZIP codes use the CA038 rate?
All ZIP codes assigned to the San Diego, Ca military housing area. Enter your ZIP code in the BAH calculator to confirm.
Last reviewed: November 2026. Official 2026 DoD BAH rates. Your finance office determines your actual entitlement.